A U.S. soldier sentenced to 100 years in prison for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and killing of her family said he was sorry but that he couldn't explain why he did it.Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, wept as he apologized at his sentencing hearing Thursday for raping 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi and taking part in killing her and her family.
"I still don't have an answer," Cortez told the judge. "I don't know why. I wish I hadn't. The lives of four innocent people were taken. I want to apologize for all of the pain and suffering I have caused the al-Janabi family."
Cortez admitted four murders, rape and conspiracy to rape. His plea meant he avoided the death penalty. He received a dishonourable discharge and will be eligible to seek parole in 10 years.
In November, Specialist James Barker, 24, admitted rape and murder over the killings and was jailed for 90 years. Barker has said in a sworn statement that the soldiers drank whiskey and played cards while plotting the assault.
In court on Thursday, Cortez broke down as he confessed to raping the girl as her parents and sister were shot dead in another room.
The case is one of several in which US troops are accused of killing Iraqis.
According to the plea agreement, Cortez admitted conspiring with three other soldiers, Private First Class Jesse Spielman, Specialist Barker and Steven Green, a now discharged soldier, to rape Abeer Qassim al-Janabi.
