Military Jury Acquits Marine of Iraq Murder

A military jury today acquitted an Illinois Marine sergeant who'd been accused of murdering an unarmed detainee during battle in Fallujah, Iraq.

The jury also acquitted Sgt. Ryan Weemer of dereliction of duty in the November 2004 death.

Weemer is from the east-central Illinois community of Hindsboro.

After the verdict, he hugged and thanked his attorney, and his wife, sister and high school English teacher wept from front-row seats.

The panel of eight Marines who served in Iraq or Afghanistan got the case yesterday and deliberated more than four hours.

Weemer could have faced a maximum sentence of life in prison and dishonorable discharge if convicted of murder. In closing arguments, a defense attorney said the 26-year-old acted in self-defense.