Soldier accused of shooting three Iraqi women avoids charges

HONOLULU – A Hawaii-based soldier who killed a 13-year-old Iraqi girl and wounded her mother and sister two years ago has been discharged from the Army without charges, officials said Tuesday.

Sgt. Jeffrey D. Waruch, 28, of Olean, N.Y., avoided court-martial and left the service Jan. 27 under a voluntary discharge for completion of service.

“In this case a review of the investigation determined that no further evidence was likely to be found that would result in the case going to trial,” Army spokeswoman Stephanie Gardin said. “The results of the criminal investigation found that Waruch did not act in a negligent or unlawful manner and that there was insufficient evidence in order to prosecute.”

Shaha Jawad al-Jabouri and her two daughters were chased and shot Feb. 18, 2004, after an explosion hit an Army convoy on its way to Ai Abbassi. They were weeding a bean field about a half-mile from the blast.