Fallin Seeks Pentagon Review Of Behenna Case

Congresswoman Mary Fallin today used the case of Army 1st Lieutenant Michael Behenna of Edmond to stress the importance of due process in the military justice system.

Fallin asked Pentagon officials to reevaluate whether due process had been satisfied.

The question came during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, of which Fallin is a member.

“We need to make sure the Uniform Code of Military Justice is applied fairly in every case and that men and women in uniform are afforded every opportunity for a fair trial,” Fallin said. “I am grateful for Lieutenant Behenna’s service to our nation and will continue to monitor his situation and insist due process is satisfied.”

In March, Behenna was convicted of unpremeditated murder while serving in Iraq and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Earlier this week, he was denied a new trial but plans to continue through the appeals process. His sentence was reduced to 20 years by the commanding general of the 101st Airborne.

Behenna's civilian attorney has filed an appeal with the U. S. Army Court of Appeals, citing the misconduct of prosecutors in withholding evidence favorable to Behenna from his attorneys and the court martial panel.

To watch Fallin discuss her due process concerns in the Behenna case, click here.

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