Last defendant in Iraq killings ready for trial

By ELLIOT SPAGAT

Associated Press Writer

Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich entered military court thinking charges against him in a case involving the deaths of 24 Iraqis - some children - would be dismissed. He left resigned to being court-martialed in the biggest criminal case against U.S. troops to arise from the Iraq war.

"I'm actually happy to see that there is a trial date and that this will be over soon," he told reporters. "At least this is the beginning of the end."

  General denies being influenced on Iraq case