Dexter man testifies at trial of Army sergeant accused of murder

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- A Dexter, Mo., native's testimony is being used as key evidence in the prosecution of an Army staff sergeant accused of ordering the murder of Iraqi detainees.

Spc. William B. Hunsaker, 24, testified in the first day of Staff Sgt. Ray Girouard's trial Tuesday, saying Girouard ordered him and another soldier to cut three Iraqi detainees loose and shoot them as they ran, according to The Associated Press.

The incident occurred during a May 9 raid on a suspected insurgent camp near Samarra, Iraq.

In January Hunsaker pleaded guilty to attempted premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated murder, premeditated murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. He received an 18-year prison sentence and a dishonorable discharge.

Hunsaker was one of two soldiers allegedly ordered by Girouard to kill the detainees, along with Pfc. Corey Clagett. A third soldier, Spc. Bradley Mason, said he overheard the order, while a fourth soldier, Spc. Juston Graber, has testified he shot one of the dying detainees but didn't witness the initial shooting.

Mason received immunity for his testimony, while Graber has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to nine months in jail.

Hunsaker also testified that Girouard cut him with a pocketknife to create the impression of a struggle, according to The Associated Press.

"I shot him [the first detainee] where his heart should be. I moved from right to left. I took aim in the same manner and aimed for the heart and the head," Hunsaker said.

Hunsaker said that after the detainees were shot, Girouard cut him with a pocketknife, saying, "It's got to look good."

Hunsaker's family members in Dexter declined to comment or give their names to the Southeast Missourian but did confirm that Hunsaker was from Dexter. Hunsaker is a 2001 graduate of Dexter High School. High school principal Bryce Matthews said he vaguely remembered Hunsaker but gave no details about his time at the school.

An Army investigator said in September the offenses warranted a death sentence for Hunsaker, Clagett and Girouard if they were found guilty, but Hunsaker and Clagett received reduced sentences for their cooperation.

Girouard has denied giving the order to kill the detainees and cover up the crime. He has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

msanders@semissourian.com

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