US soldier admits raping, killing 14-yr-old Iraqi girl

Four US soldiers have been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl before murdering her and her family.

One of four US soldiers accused of raping a 14-year-old Iraqi girl before murdering her and her family pleaded guilty to the charges on Wednesday at the start of his court-martial at a Kentucky military base.

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Spc James Barker pleaded guilty to rape and murder. His lawyer said earlier he would cooperate with prosecutors.

He provided graphic testimony to military investigators about the March 2006 incident at Mahmudiya that was used at a military proceeding in Baghdad last August, resulting in charges against the four and one former soldier.

The others charged with rape and murder were Pfc Jesse Spielman, Sgt Paul Cortez, and Pfc Bryan Howard. In addition, former soldier Steven Green has been charged in a civilian court and is awaiting trial in a Kentucky jail.

Cortez was also arraigned on Wednesday at the start of his court-martial. He did not enter a plea, but was expected to in mid-December.