Grandmother shocked by conviction of soldier

[unhappycamper]

Grandmother shocked by conviction of soldier
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Feb 22, 2009 10:01:49 EST

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — The grandmother of a northern Illinois soldier convicted of murder in the deaths of four Iraqi detainees said she’s stunned by the verdict.

Hazel Leahy, 80, of West Chicago said the situation involving Army Sgt. Michael Leahy Jr. is “devastating.”

“I haven’t stopped crying all day,” she said regarding Friday’s verdict. “I’ve been telling everybody all day the news. It makes me feel better to talk about it.”

Michael Leahy, 28, of Lockport was found guilty on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder by the nine-person jury who had heard testimony about the killings at the court-martial at the Army’s Rose Barracks Courthouse in Germany since Wednesday.

After a sentencing hearing, Leahy received a life sentence, with the possibility of parole. He also will have his rank reduced to private, his pay forfeited and be dishonorably discharged.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_soldier_convicted_grandmother_022209/%2e