Marines Cleared of Assaulting 3 Outside Gay Bar
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Three Marines were acquitted Tuesday of charges that they assaulted three people at a bar that catered to homosexuals.
Judge Jacqueline Morris-Goodson, who was hearing the case without a jury, said the state failed to meet its burden of proof.
The three defendants hugged their attorneys when the judge returned the verdict, and their supporters cheered in the courtroom.
Lance Cpls. Walter Watkins III, 26, Patrick Cardone, 23, and Colin Hunt, 20, were charged with three counts each of simple assault. They faced a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail or a $50 fine.
The most severely beaten man, Crae Pridgen, had testified that his attackers yelled “Clinton must pay” during the Jan. 29-30 ruckus, apparently referring to the President’s move to lift the ban on homosexuals in the military.
The Marines testified Monday that they hit people, but only in self-defense after patrons of the bar threatened them. They also said they never referred to Clinton.
Pridgen and two others were beaten outside Mickey Ratz, a downtown bar catering to homosexuals.
In closing arguments, defense attorneys said Pridgen was intent on fighting and met his match during the brawl.
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