US Army sergeant on trial for murder of Panama student

THE TRIAL of a  US Army  sergeant, for the murder of a Panamanian student  will start  Monday March 21, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Master Sergeant Omar Velez Pagan, 36,  is charged with the killing of  Vanessa Rodríguez 25,  whose body was  found by a police officer on a farm near the river Guararé in  Los Santos province  on June 23, 2014

A pickaxe, a shovel and a white powder similar to lime were  found, next to the body presumed to be used in an attempt  at burial.  .

The Fayetteville Observer, NC, reports that if convicted, Velez Pagan faces a sentence up to life in prison without possibility of parole, and dishonorably discharge from the army.

The soldier is  accused of homicide by abuse, aggravated assault, adultery, obstruction of justice and use and possession of steroids.

At a preliminary hearing  Lawyers for Velez-Pagan argued the death of Rodriguez was an accident.

Prosecutors, contended her death was a crime of passion.

According to testimony, Rodriguez died after being run over by Velez-Pagan’s truck on a roadside.

Velez-Pagan’s Army lawyers said their client meant no harm to Rodriguez. They said the soldier was trying to end an extramarital affair with the college student when she attacked him and forced his truck off the road.

He defended himself, then accidentally backed his truck over her as he tried to exit the vehicle to pursue her on foot, they said.

But investigators argued he  was using steroids and unable to control his emotions, leading to a violent outburst with his career and livelihood on the line.

A total of 75 people, including  Rodriguez relatives and witnesses traveled this week from Panama to North Carolina to be present at the trial.

Vélez Pagán, was in Panama training Panamanian police