US sniper convicted of killing unarmed Iraqi civilian

A US Army sniper accused of killing an unarmed Iraqi civilian and planting evidence on his body was found guilty on all charges today.

Jurors deliberated for three hours before finding Sergeant Evan Vela guilty of murder without premeditation. He had previously been charged with premeditated murder, but that charge was changed during his court-martial this week in Baghdad.

Vela was also found guilty of making a false official statement and of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline.

He faces a possible sentence of life in prison. After the verdict, proceedings entered a sentencing phase this afternoon.