US soldier could face life over Iraq killings

A United States Army master sergeant convicted of murder in the 2007 killings of four bound and blindfolded Iraqis was to be sentenced today and could receive life in prison without parole.

John Hatley was convicted of premeditated murder and conspiracy in the execution-style killings. But the jury of eight officers and noncommissioned officers found him not guilty of obstruction of justice in the incident and not guilty of premeditated murder in the January 2007 death of an Iraqi insurgent.

Hatley faces a possible life sentence, but is likely to receive parole and a lesser sentence. His punishment could also be reduced further through an appeal or other future Army clemency.