A U.S. soldier who admitted his role in a plot to kill Afghan civilians was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for killing a teenage boy.
Pfc. Andrew Holmes' sentence was limited to seven years as part of his agreement to plead guilty in military court Thursday to unpremeditated murder. Holmes also pleaded guilty to smoking marijuana and keeping the finger of an Afghan victim as a souvenir.
He will be given credit for 499 days he has been confined since his arrest in the January 2010 slaying of 15-year-old Afghan Gul Mudinon and could have his term reduced by good behavior.
The (Tacoma, Wash.) News Tribune reported members of Holmes' family cried as the sentence was read after the presiding judge told the defendant, "I hope and I believe you will have a long and productive life, and I believe a happy life."
Holmes, a member of Fort Lewis-McChord's 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, asked the court for a shorter sentence.
"Please give me the opportunity to be a son, a brother, a nephew," he implored the judge.
TVNL Comment: Seven years for killing an Afghan youngster and keeping his finger as a souvenir. They hate us for our freedom, right? Just asking....