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Full acquittal Ricky Burke found not guilty of attempted premeditated murder Melodie Phelps News Editor When she went to bed Friday night, Sandy Burke had prepared herself for the worst. An e-mail from her son, Sgt. Ricky Burke, who was in the midst of a military trial in Baghdad for attempted premeditated murder had warned her to do just that. He didnıt think it was going very well. But Burke awoke Saturday morning to the best news she could imagine. Her son, a member of the local National Guard unit, had received a full acquittal. "I felt so relieved," said Sandy Burke. "I called everybody I knew, everyone who had called me, had supported me and helped me during this time." A few minutes later, news of Burkeıs acquittal was announced on local radio stations and on the loudspeaker at the park where the annual Old Fashion Days Festival was in full swing. A community celebrated together, after hearing the verdict they had prayed and hoped for. Itıs been a long time since March 20, when Burke and other members of his unit came under fire from Iraqi insurgents. After being initially recognized as a hero after the 45-minute gun battle, Burke soon found himself facing charges and a military trial. Burke, in an e-mail interview earlier this week, said that he was guarding the Iraqi insurgent during a security sweep when the man went for a weapon. The last few months have been filled with worry for Burke and his family here. And the Burke family spent a lot of that time worrying silently since they knew few details about the incident and the charges. After a story appeared in the August 10 edition of The Outlook, local residents rallied behind Sgt. Burke and his family. People wrote character letters and signed petitions. They called the family and they prayed that the young man from Monticello would be exonerated. The Outlook received e-mails and telephone calls from people who were angry that Burke had been charged. Many wanted to know what they could do, who they could contact, to help. Monticello City Council and Wayne County Fiscal Court both approved resolutions requesting that congressmen and representatives from Kentucky conduct an inquiry into this incident. Members of fiscal court wrote a letter in support of Burke. "I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped in any way during this time," said Sandy Burke. Thatıs a sentiment her son echoed earlier this week, as he described events of the two and a half day military trial. Sgt. Burke said it was much like a civilian trial, with the prosecution presenting their case and the defense then responding. He said the jury deliberated about 45 minutes before returning with the not guilty verdict. "When the verdict was read, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders," said Sgt. Burke. There had been reports that Sgt. Burke had been offered several deals if he entered a guilty plea to charges. He said he never really considered that. "I knew that I was innocent and I never considered pleading guilty," said Sgt. Burke. He praised the legal team that represented him throughout this time. He also expressed appreciation to everyone who wrote letters and signed petitions. Sgt. Burke said they were used as part of his trial to show his character outside the military. "Words cannot express how I feel about the support and prayers that I have received," said Sgt. Burke. "The support that all of us get here, makes our jobs as soldiers much easier and rewarding." "Since coming back, the whole unitsı morale has gotten a boost," he continued. "I have not gone through this alone by any means. All the guys in my unit were standing behind me from the start." Sgt. Burke is back at LSA Anaconda and he is again running missions. "It feels good to be back out there doing my job," he said. "I really missed being out there with the guys." Burke has been granted his leave and he will be home soon to see all his family and friends. Reader Comments CPT Jim E Rush (9/13/2005) I would like to express my gratitude to all the Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, and the Monticello- Wayne County community for supporting SGT Ricky Burke during this time. The support shown is a true testament to the strength of the Kentucky Army National Guard, the 1ST 623RD, and Monticello Wayne County. Kat (9/12/2005) I think it is awful that our men have to go to Iraq to start with, and it was a disgrace that this boy was brought up on charges. It is my opinion that the men that told this on him should be investigated.I think the United States government owes this boy a public apology,again this is only my opinion. mike osbourne (9/8/2005) I'd like to congradulate SGT Burke on his acquittal. I also wonder what will happen to those who accused him of this crime. Those soldiers from the 617th MP unit from Richmond should be held accountable. If they lied about SGT Burke, maybe they lied in their reports that led to them being awarded medals for their part in that battle. Add a comment |
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