aceman67

It was finally released today that Manslaughter charges would be brought against Master Cpl. Robbie Fraser in the death of Canadian M.Clp Jeffrey Walsh due to friendly fire on August 9th, 2006.

Winnie Green is my mother, and the man charged is my friend. I know the deceased, having been at the many BBQ's they had in Rob's and my own back yard, since we had the only Pool on the block.

My question is this: Given the circumstances, and the statement by the widow, do you think the Manslaughter charge is appropriate?

And please, serious responses only, if only for the sake of respecting the dead.

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gren

I don't think the manslaughter charge are appropriate in this case, especially since Walsh's widow doesn't think it is. If the shooting was accidental, and the Walsh and Fraser were friends and comrades, then I'm sure Fraser feels bad enough for what happened; why make him a criminal for something that inevitably happens in war?

My sympathies for the deceased and your friend.

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aceman67

Rob doesn't just feel bad about it, like my mom said, the man's destroyed. I wondered why the only time he smiled once he got bak was after the birth of his 3rd daughter, but I knew better then to ask.

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hamu-hamu

I don't see why manslaugther charges need to be put on this man. Afterall it was an accident and he did admit that he had shoot his friend. Manslaugther charge is a bit harsh on the crime, and the court should have put charges against him it should have been a lower charge.
However, it is indeed viewed that he shoot his friend and as the saying goes, "a life got a life" it may have been necessary to give him the charge.

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PsiKnot

First, I am truly saddened to hear of your loss, I empathize with your friend it is very hard to loss a friend, and further I am sorry that what I'm about to say isn't going to make things any better. I am normally a pretty rude person by nature but stories like this hit close to home. I am a Sergeant in the US Air Force and I know there are other military folk on here as well. We kind of have to look at these incidents from a different angle no matter how much we sympathize. We know the seriousness of what we do, and we as soldiers hold each other accountable to a code of conduct that most people wouldn't understand. This is why Manslaughter charges are necessary in cases of negligence. I know that your friend didn't mean to fire his weapon, but he did. The fact that because he lost control of a deadly firearm and someone died because of that, he has to accept responsibility for his actions. What’s more he needs to serve as an example to other soldiers, let this remind us all just how dangerous our weapons are, and that constant vigilance is the key to safety.

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rock on

I’m sorry what has happen to you and your friends but in this case I would say yes. For when you are in the military they tech you how to keep control no matter what is going on. When solider shot one another most of the time they are being shot at or shooting other in the middle of a fire fight. But he was in a car and his gun was discharged. He should of had the gun on safety and had his finger away from the trigger.

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aceman67

Both of you have valid points, But the mans career is over, his life is a wreak, if it wasn't for his wife and 3 daughters (10yrs, 3yrs, 6months), he wouldn't have anything.

Maybe he did have his safety on, but being tightly packed in the jeep as they were, maybe a piece of his uniform rubbed up against it and turned off his safety and the jeep hitting a rock in road caused the gun to go off. Thing is, we don't know what exactly happened, and I doubt we ever would.

The man's killed his best friend that he's known since basic, he has to live with that for the rest of his life, why send him to prison for it and take him away form his family?

As for setting an example?
I Lived in Shilo for a long while, I helped my mother when she was the Move Support Coordinator for the base when the PPCLI moved from Winnipeg to Shilo, and I worked at the base grocery store, I know a good deal of the men and women who serve there, I can tell you, the example's been already set, why go further for no reason.

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Arrianna

The only thing that I have to add to Psiknot and rock on is that being charged and being found guilty is two separate things. To not bring up the manslaughter charges would be negligent on the part of the military. Under the circumstances it is to be expected that he will be found not guilty. The charge of "negligent performance of duty" may be another matter. It can be hoped that the decision will be quick. Assuming it is the military taking care of it it should be.

My sympathies to your friends and family.

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Hassun

It'll still be a heavy blemish on his record. He seriously needs to consider if he wants to continue doing his current job. Especially if he's mentally scarred.

Shit happens.

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PsiKnot

I hate to say it but if he were in the US Army his career would be over I'm not 100% sure about Canadian military justice though.

And like what Arrianna said charged and convicted are two different things and whats more, his tribunal or courts marshal can give him whatever punishment they see fit if he is found guilty, no matter how strict or lieniant they want to be.

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fayt lingod

Givin the circumstances he would probably be found guilty, but wouldn't get any harsh sentence. it would have to be one sadistic judge(or whatever) to give him any substantial prison time.

i am also sorry for your loss (you must be getting tired of hearing that)

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