The case of former U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich made national headlines for years. Wuterich’s defense attorney was Haythem Faraj, who has an office based in Dearborn, Michigan.

Attorney Haythem Faraj

On Nov. 19, 2005 Wuterich, a squad leader then, ordered his marines “to shoot first, ask questions later” as they raided two homes, killing 24 innocent Iraqi civilians. The incident is referred to as the Haditha Killings, and occurred following the death of a marine in an insurgent attack.  

During the case the prosecution claimed Wuterich ordered his men on a reckless shooting spree, after the marine was killed in a IED explosion. Faraj says that Wuterich followed the rules of engagement, and was ordered by a lieutenant to clear the houses near the explosion. “He responded to the rules of engagement,” Faraj said.

In a news report Wuterich was quoted as saying when he told the marines to “shoot first, ask questions later” his intent wasn’t that they would shoot civilians it was that they would not hesitate in the face of the enemy.

 Initially Wuterich was charged with murder, and in late January 2012 he pleaded guilty to negligent dereliction of duty. Afterwards the manslaughter, assault and other dereliction charges were dismissed. Wuterich was also reduced in rank,, and received no jail time. 

Faraj says Wuterich recently left the marines, mainly because of the events that have unfolded since the Haditha Killings. Faraj has served as an attorney on several other high profile cases. Working on the case was emotional for Faraj at times, because of the victims who lost their lives.  “It was sad,” he said.

 During the case a military investigator concluded that Wuterich and the squad he led had done nothing wrong, and the deaths were not sufficient proof that an illegal act had took place. The investigator determined that it was not logical to expect that the marines would take time to stop and question whether each person at the location presents a threat when there are reports of being under fire from that location.