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Trial for Burke set to begin Thursday Melodie Phelps News Editor The trial for a local National Guard soldier is scheduled to begin Thursday, September 1 in Baghdad. Sgt. Ricky Burke is charged with premeditated attempted murder in connection with an incident that occurred March 20 in Iraq. According to accounts from the family, Burke shot and injured a captured Iraqi insurgent who appeared to be making a move toward a pile of confiscated weapons. This occurred after Burke and other members of the 1st 623rd were involved in a 45-minute gun battle with insurgents that ambushed their convoy. Burkeıs story was featured in The Outlook earlier this month, and since then a local letter writing campaign began. The Outlook collected character letters for Burke, which were forwarded to Iraq. Burke noted that these letters are an important part of the trial, since they give information about his character outside military service. The response was good, and Burke noted during an e-mail interview last week that he is very grateful to the people of this community. "The support I have received in unbelievable and I cannot express how much gratitude I feel I owe the people of Wayne County," said Burke. He provided some information about the upcoming trial, noting that it will be held in Baghdad. Burke said he anticipates the trial will last for several days and at the end of that time a jury will make a decision in regard to the charges. His mother, Sandy Burke, had talked to her son more than a week ago, and she said that he has been nervous as the trial date grows closer. "His morale is down, and he is just nervous about the whole thing," said Sandy Burke. She said that her sonıs lawyer has indicated that the trial could go "50-50." She said that more than 80 letters were forwarded to Iraq for Burke, and many people sent them independently. Sandy Burke has also circulated a petition locally supporting her son. She said she has received many signatures and hopes to get a copy of the petition to Washington, D.C. before September 1. While these efforts have kept her busy, Sandy Burke said that she feels almost helpless as her son prepares for this trial. "I wish that I could be there, but I know that is not possible," she said. During Community Appreciation Day Saturday at the park, Brother Harlan Ogle held a special circle of prayer for Burke and his family. With the Burke family in the center of the circle, local residents offered silent prayer for the local soldier. "I want to thank everyone who has had a part, big or small, in helping Ricky," Sandy Burke said. "He has just been overwhelmed by the communityıs response." Reader Comments Dewayne Jones (8/31/2005) We are at war! Maybe that some people don't realize this,but this is not some kind of game.Our boys in uniform has to make split second life and death decisions,and to prosecute one of them is shamefull.Being a former soldier myself,I know a thing like this eats away at the morale of the troops and that is the last thing we need.Washington shouldn't be doing this sort of thing just to appease the liberals and the cry babies. Add a comment |
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