WASHINGTON—A former State Department contractor sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2007 shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians is asking for a new trial because of what he says is newly discovered evidence.
Lawyers for former Blackwater employee Nicholas Slatten said they received a State Department report two days before the Aug. 14 sentencing that they say cast doubt on prosecutors’ argument that Slatten is prone to unprovoked violence.
The document concerns a rescue mission of a downed aircraft that took place once week before the shooting in the case.
The contractor convicted for his role in the 2007 shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians is asking for a new trial because of what he says is newly-discovered evidence. https://t.co/4xUKo5KtjA
— WTTE FOX 28 (@fox28columbus) August 28, 2019
Slatten’s lawyers say the document shows Army forces reported incoming fire from Iraqi insurgents before Slatten and other Blackwater contractors arrived at the site.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington declined to comment Wednesday.
By Eric Tucker