Court-martial opens in Hawaii for soldier accused of killing unarmed Iraqi

A soldier testified Tuesdsay that a colleague accused of killing an unarmed Iraqi did not know whether he had even shot the victim.

Two other soldiers at the court-martial for Spc. Christopher Shore told the panel of nine officers and enlisted personnel that Shore told them he "shot at" the man.

Shore, of Winder, Georgia, is charged with third-degree murder in the June 23 death of an Iraqi man whom authorities say they haven't been able to identify by name. The killing occurred near Kirkuk.

Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Bullham was with Shore that night and testified that the soldier later told him "he shot at" the man.

David McMullen, an agent with the Army's criminal investigation division, said Shore told him the same thing during an interview.

Shore had said in a preliminary hearing that he intentionally missed the man after his platoon leader, also charged in the case, ordered him to "finish him."

Shore has said he was afraid of outwardly disobeying Sgt. 1st Class Trey Corrales, who Shore said had dragged the man outside and shot him.

Corrales faces an April 22 court-martial on a premeditated murder charge. He also is charged with trying to cover up the crime by planting an AK-47 next to the victim.

If convicted, Shore faces a maximum sentence of life without parole. There is no mandatory minimum sentence for third-degree murder.

Corrales, if convicted, would receive a minimum sentence of life with parole and would have to serve at least 10 years before becoming eligible for release.

The men are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks outside Honolulu.