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| Pirates Plead Guilty in Case of Killed Americans |
| 2011-05-21 |
| One of three Somali men who pleaded guilty Friday to taking part in a high-seas attack that left four Americans murdered told a federal judge: "I myself am a victim." In February, the four Americans were on a yacht in the waters off the Horn of Africa when more than a dozen Somali men and one Yemeni hijacked their vessel. In the midst of negotiations with U.S. officials, at least some of the hijackers opened fire, killing Scott and Jean Adam of California, and Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle of Seattle. They face life in prison for the charges of piracy and hostage-taking resulting in death. Those pleading guilty Friday are set to be sentenced in September. A total of 15 foreign nationals have been charged in the case. Prosecutors said the goal of Friday's guilty pleas was to obtain "substantial" assistance in prosecuting the others, suggesting their focus would be on those who pulled the trigger. |
| Posted by:Zebulon Thranter9685 |