FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A former Army paratrooper has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting he killed a fellow soldier and wounded 18 others in a shooting at a North Carolina base a decade ago.
Sgt. William Kreutzer (KROYTZ'-ur) had pleaded guilty earlier this month to one charge of premeditated murder and 18 other charges in order to avoid a possible death sentence. As a result, the sentence the 39-year-old received Tuesday at Fort Bragg was expected.
Military judge Col. Patrick Parrish also reduced his rank to private, ordered him to forfeit all future pay and be dishonorably discharged.
The sentencing brings an end to a case than began on Oct. 27, 1995, when Kreutzer opened fire with a rifle from a concealed position at soldiers preparing for a morning run.
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