Robert Bales is an American mass murderer and former U.S. Army soldier convicted of war crimes. He is known for committing the Kandahar massacre in Afghanistan.

What is the Kandahar massacre, and when did it occur?

The Kandahar massacre was an event on March 11, 2012, in which Robert Bales murdered 16 Afghan civilians. The killings took place in the villages of Balandi and Alkozai in the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

What was Robert Bales's rank and role in the U.S. Army?

Robert Bales was a Staff Sergeant (SSG) in the U.S. Army. He was assigned to provide base security for U.S. Army Special Forces and U.S. Navy SEALs engaged in village stability operations in Afghanistan.

What were the charges Robert Bales pleaded guilty to?

To avoid a potential death sentence, Robert Bales pleaded guilty to 16 counts of murder, six counts of attempted murder, and seven counts of assault.

What was Robert Bales's sentence for the Kandahar massacre?

On August 23, 2013, Robert Bales was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was also demoted to the lowest enlisted rank and dishonorably discharged.

When and where was Robert Bales born?

Robert Bales was born on June 30, 1973, in Norwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati.

What was Robert Bales's educational background before joining the Army?

Before enlisting in the Army, Bales attended Norwood High School, where he played football and served as class president. He later studied economics at Ohio State University for three years but left without graduating in 1996.

What was Robert Bales's occupation before joining the U.S. Army?

Prior to his military service, Robert Bales worked as a stockbroker for five financial services firms in Columbus, Ohio. During this time, he was involved in fraudulent securities activities and was found liable for $1.2 million in civil damages.

Did Robert Bales have any prior legal issues before the Kandahar massacre?

Yes, Robert Bales had prior legal issues. In 2002, he was charged with misdemeanor assault for attacking his then-girlfriend, which was dismissed after he attended anger management counseling. He was also briefly detained in 2008 after fleeing a hit-and-run incident, and a confrontation outside a bar in 2008 did not result in charges.

When did Robert Bales enlist in the U.S. Army, and what motivated him?

Robert Bales enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks. His brother-in-law stated that Bales felt compelled to serve and 'make something right' after the attacks, viewing Army enlistment as a way to vindicate himself.

How many tours of duty did Robert Bales serve in Iraq?

Robert Bales completed three tours of duty in the Iraq War. These tours lasted twelve months in 2003-2004, fifteen months in 2006-2007, and ten months in 2009-2010.

What injuries did Robert Bales sustain during his military service?

During his service, Robert Bales sustained injuries including a foot injury during the Battle of Najaf in 2007 and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2010 when his vehicle overturned in an accident. He also experienced ten improvised explosive device (IED) blasts.

What was Bales's role and location in Afghanistan prior to the massacre?

In December 2011, Bales received orders for deployment to Afghanistan. He was assigned to Camp Belambai in Kandahar Province, where he was responsible for providing base security for Special Forces and Navy SEALs involved in village stability operations.

What were Bales's activities and state of mind on the night of the Kandahar massacre?

On the night of the massacre, Bales discussed his desire for promotion, expressed anger over comrades being injured, and complained about leadership. He drank alcohol (prohibited on base) with fellow soldiers, consumed sleeping pills, and reportedly watched the movie 'Man on Fire,' which features a revenge-driven rampage.

How many civilians were killed and injured in the Kandahar massacre?

In the Kandahar massacre, Robert Bales killed 16 Afghan civilians, consisting of nine children, four women, and three men. Six other individuals were injured during the incident.

What weapons were reportedly used by Robert Bales during the massacre?

Robert Bales reportedly used an M4 carbine and an M9 sidearm. Some victims were found to have sustained both gunshot and stab wounds.

What happened to the victims' bodies after the massacre?

According to the Army, Bales burned some of the victims' bodies, which is considered desecration under Islamic law. Witnesses reported that eleven corpses from one family were shot, stabbed, gathered, and then set on fire. A reporter noted burns on the legs and heads of some children's bodies.

How was Robert Bales apprehended after the massacre?

After exiting the last house, Bales was spotted by a surveillance system walking back to the base. He was disarmed and taken into custody by fellow soldiers at approximately 4:47 AM.

What was the initial reaction of Bales's attorney regarding the evidence?

Bales's attorney, John Henry Browne, initially questioned the government's case, stating, 'I don't know that the government is going to prove much. There's no forensic evidence. There's no confession.'

What potential factors were investigated as influences on Bales's actions?

Investigators examined several potential factors, including stress, alcohol consumption, marital problems, and the side effects of mefloquine, an anti-malaria drug Bales was reportedly taking, which is known to cause aggression and psychological issues. The use of the steroid stanozolol was also noted.

Did Bales have a documented history of mental health issues before the massacre?

Robert Bales did not have a documented history of mental disorders and had passed an extensive mental health screening to become a sniper in 2008. However, investigators examining his medical history described his ten-year Army tenure as 'unremarkable' and found no evidence of serious TBI or PTSD, though a Humvee accident in 2010 did result in TBI treatment.

What was the U.S. government's stance on prosecuting Bales?

Then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced the U.S. would seek the death penalty, and President Barack Obama instructed the military to prosecute the case aggressively.

What was the outcome of the Article 32 hearing for Robert Bales?

During the Article 32 hearing, eyewitnesses from Afghanistan testified via live video link. Bales himself did not testify. The hearing was part of the legal proceedings to determine the charges against him.

Under what conditions did Robert Bales agree to plead guilty?

Robert Bales agreed to plead guilty on May 29, 2013, as part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. He also agreed to describe the events of March 11, 2012.

What did Bales say when asked why he committed the murders?

When asked by the judge why he killed the civilians, Bales stated he had asked himself that question 'a million times' and admitted, 'There's not a good reason in this world for why I did the horrible things I did.' He also admitted to burning bodies, though he claimed not to recall it.

How did Bales attribute his actions to steroids?

Bales stated he took steroids solely to become 'huge and jacked' and believed they 'definitely' increased his irritability and anger, linking them to his actions during the massacre.

What arguments did the defense present during the sentencing hearing?

The defense attorneys argued for a sentence of life with the possibility of parole, portraying Bales as a troubled man who 'snapped' rather than a 'cold-blooded murderer.' They also criticized anonymous government reports blaming him, suggesting the government wanted to blame an individual rather than the war.

What was the prosecution's closing argument during the sentencing?

The prosecution sought life without parole, arguing that Bales 'wiped out generations' and that he 'dares to ask you for mercy when he has shown none.'

What was the final sentence imposed on Robert Bales?

A six-person panel sentenced Robert Bales to life in prison without parole on August 23, 2013. He was also demoted, dishonorably discharged, and forfeited all pay and allowances.

How did Afghan villagers and victims' families react to the sentence?

Afghan villagers and the families of Bales's victims expressed dissatisfaction with the life sentence, believing he deserved the death penalty.

Where is Robert Bales currently incarcerated?

Robert Bales is incarcerated in the maximum-security section of the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

What happened with Bales's appeals after his conviction?

The U.S. Army Criminal Appeals Court upheld Bales's conviction and sentencing in September 2017, calling the defense's allegation about mefloquine use 'speculative.' The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently refused to hear his appeal.

Did Robert Bales ever receive a presidential pardon?

In December 2020, Bales's defense team requested a pardon from President Donald Trump, but Trump did not grant the pardon.

What alternative theories about the massacre were proposed by villagers?

Some villagers suggested that more than one soldier was involved in the crime. They also expressed confusion about how a single sniper could have carried out killings in two villages separated by a 30-minute walk, while also sneaking off base undetected.

What was the status of forensic evidence in the investigation?

The Afghan Army's initial investigation faced challenges, including families removing bodies before evidence could be collected and a lack of photographs. DNA evidence scraped from walls was not cross-referenced with U.S. databases to determine if any adult male victims were combatants, hindering the confirmation of Afghan allegations.

How did Bales's family react to the massacre?

Following the massacre, Bales's family was moved from their home in Lake Tapps, Washington, for their protection. They were also experiencing financial difficulties, having put their home up for sale shortly before the shootings.

What role did the movie 'Man on Fire' play on the night of the massacre?

Bales reportedly watched the movie 'Man on Fire,' an action film about a former bodyguard seeking revenge, while drinking alcohol on the night of the massacre. This movie may have influenced his state of mind or actions.

What was the significance of Bales's promotion to Staff Sergeant?

Bales was promoted to Staff Sergeant (SSG) on April 1, 2008. This promotion made him responsible for nineteen soldiers, and he became critical of superiors, feeling his men were unprepared and that he was not receiving due respect.

What was the reaction of the Kuwaiti government to Bales's temporary detention there?

The Kuwaiti government was reportedly upset when Bales was temporarily held at a U.S. military base in Kuwait after his arrest. They had learned about the case through news reports before being officially informed by the U.S. government, leading them to demand his swift removal.

What did Bales's wife, Karilyn Bales, do during his deployments?

Karilyn Bales maintained a blog detailing the challenges and 'travails of army life' during her husband's deployments. She met Robert Bales in 2003, and their relationship became serious while he was deployed in Iraq.

What was the financial situation of the Bales family around the time of the massacre?

The Bales family was reportedly struggling financially. Three days before the shootings, they had listed their home for sale at a price significantly lower than they paid for it, and they owed more on the mortgage than the home was worth.

What is the significance of the GQ magazine article featuring interviews with Bales?

In October 2015, GQ magazine published an article by Brendan Vaughan detailing in-depth interviews with Robert Bales conducted during his incarceration. In these interviews, Bales revealed his recollections of the night of the murders and his perceived reasons for his actions.

What is the podcast series 'The War Within: The Robert Bales Story' about?

Released in 2023, this podcast series covers the Kandahar Massacre and features extensive audio interviews with Robert Bales himself. It also includes commentary from soldiers, lawyers, medical experts, and Afghan civilians involved in the case.

What did Bales claim about his actions regarding the victims' bodies?

Bales claimed he did not burn the victims' bodies, suggesting it might have been a lantern that was knocked over. However, he admitted during his guilty plea that the evidence clearly showed he had burned them.

What was the Army's assessment of Bales's behavior during the massacre, considering his sniper training?

An Army intelligence officer noted that Bales's actions were contrary to his sniper training. Instead of waiting for a shot and blending in, he allegedly burst into homes, fired at close range, and remained at the scene, behavior deemed 'incomprehensible.'

What was the initial number of victims reported, and how did it change?

Initially, U.S. authorities reported 16 people killed, including nine children. This number was revised to 17 on March 22, 2012, but later reduced back to 16. The number of injured also increased from five to six.

What did Bales reportedly tell a sergeant after the first phase of the killings?

After the initial killings in Alkozai, Bales reportedly told a sergeant he had been drinking with that he had 'just killed some military-aged males,' was going to 'finish it' in Balandi, and asked the sergeant to 'take care of his wife and kids.'

What was the context of Bales's deployment orders to Afghanistan in late 2011?

Bales received orders for deployment to Afghanistan in December 2011. This deployment was reportedly unexpected by his family and may have contributed to marital conflict and financial strain.

What specific charges were added in June 2012, besides the murder and assault counts?

In June 2012, alongside dropping one murder charge due to a double-counting error, other charges were filed against Bales, including abuse of steroids, alcohol consumption, and attempting to destroy evidence. The assault charges were also increased from six to seven.

What did Bales's attorney claim about his client's desire to serve?

Bales's attorney, John Henry Browne, claimed that Bales was 'reluctant to serve' and 'wasn't thrilled about going on another deployment.' He stated Bales was initially told he wouldn't be deployed again, only to later receive orders to go.

Robert Bales Wiki: The Kandahar Massacre: A Case Study in Military Justice and Soldier Psychology

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Case Overview

Robert Bales

Robert Bales (born June 30, 1973) is a former U.S. Army soldier convicted of murdering 16 Afghan civilians during a mass shooting incident. The event, known as the Kandahar massacre, occurred on March 11, 2012, in the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.^[1]

Conviction and Sentence

To avoid a potential death sentence, Bales pleaded guilty to 16 counts of murder and related charges. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on August 23, 2013.^[2] He expressed regret, calling his actions "an act of cowardice."^[3]

Context of the Incident

The massacre took place during Bales's fourth deployment, following multiple tours in Iraq. The incident occurred near Camp Belambai, where Bales was stationed to provide base security for Special Forces operations. The complex circumstances surrounding the event have been a subject of extensive analysis.

Background and Early Life

Early Years

Born on June 30, 1973, Robert Bales was raised in Norwood, Ohio. He was the youngest of five brothers. During his time at Norwood High School, he participated in football and was elected class president.^[4]

Education and Financial Career

Bales briefly attended the College of Mount St. Joseph before transferring to Ohio State University, where he studied economics for three years but did not graduate. Following his studies, he worked as a stockbroker for several financial services firms in Columbus, Ohio. During this period, Bales and his employer were found liable for $1.2 million in civil damages due to fraudulent securities activities.^[9]^[10]

Military Enlistment Motivation

Bales enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks. His brother-in-law suggested that Bales felt a duty to serve and "make something right," viewing his military service as a form of personal vindication.^[13]

Military Career

Deployments and Service

Bales enlisted in the Army in November 2001. He completed three tours of duty in Iraq: from 2003-2004, 2006-2007, and 2009-2010. During these deployments, he reportedly sustained injuries, including a foot injury during the Battle of Najaf in 2007 and a traumatic brain injury from a vehicle accident in 2010.^[15]

Promotions and Incidents

He was promoted to staff sergeant in April 2008. Public records indicate Bales was involved in several incidents leading to police responses while stationed at Fort Lewis, including a misdemeanor assault charge in 2002 that was dismissed after anger management counseling.^[16] He was deployed to Afghanistan in December 2011, assigned to Camp Belambai.

Pre-Incident Factors

Leading up to the massacre, Bales reportedly experienced marital conflict and financial strain. He was also noted to be increasingly critical of Special Forces leadership and felt he was not receiving due respect. He had been subjected to multiple improvised explosive device (IED) blasts and experienced concussive forces during his service.^[3]

The Kandahar Massacre

Events of March 11, 2012

In the early morning hours of March 11, 2012, Bales left Camp Belambai, reportedly wearing night vision goggles and Afghan clothing over his uniform. The killings occurred in two phases, targeting the villages of Balandi and Alkozai. He is reported to have returned to base between the two phases.^[31]

Victims and Atrocities

The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children, four women, and three men. Some victims sustained both gunshot and stab wounds. Reports indicated that some bodies were burned, an act considered desecration under Islamic law.^[35]

Bales's Account and Investigation

Bales reportedly confessed to fellow soldiers shortly after the incident. He later claimed to have consumed alcohol and sleeping pills prior to the event. Investigations examined potential influences such as stress, alcohol, marital issues, and the side effects of the anti-malaria drug mefloquine, which Bales claimed to be taking.^[3]

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Arrest and Transfer

Following his arrest, Bales was transferred from Afghanistan to a military base in Kuwait, and subsequently to the Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was formally charged with murder and assault.^[47]

Plea Deal and Sentencing

In May 2013, Bales agreed to plead guilty to 16 counts of murder and six counts of assault and attempted murder to avoid the death penalty. During the proceedings, he expressed remorse but could not provide a clear reason for his actions, attributing some effects to steroid use.^[59] On August 23, 2013, he received a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.^[2]

Appeals and Later Developments

Bales's conviction and sentence were upheld by the U.S. Army Criminal Appeals Court in 2017. His subsequent appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied. In late 2020, his defense sought a presidential pardon, which was not granted.^[65]^[66]^[67]

Personal Life and Financial Strain

Family Status

Robert Bales is married to Karilyn Bales, and they have two children. Following the massacre, his family was relocated for their protection.^[70]

Financial Difficulties

Reports indicated that the Bales family was experiencing financial difficulties. Their home was listed for sale shortly before the incident, and they owed significantly more on their mortgage than the property's market value.^[71]

References

Source Citations

The information presented in this document is derived from publicly available sources, primarily the Wikipedia article on Robert Bales. Detailed citations are provided below.

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References

Henderson, Peter, and Jed Horowitz, "Afghan Shooting Suspect Did Not Pay Fraud Judgment", Reuters; March 21, 2012.

Murphy, Kim and Ned Parker, "Afghan Massacre A Hard Case For Army", Los Angeles Times, November 5, 2012, p. 1

Ashton, Adam, "Steroid Charges Against Bales Could Alter His Defense Strategy", Tacoma News Tribune, June 2, 2012.

Bonner, Raymond, "Did Accused Kandahar Killer Sgt. Bales Act Alone?", Newsweek, November 5, 2012.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Robert Bales Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal, military, or psychological consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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The Kandahar Massacre

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Case Overview ℹ️

👤 Robert Bales

⚖️ Conviction and Sentence

🌍 Context of the Incident

Background and Early Life 📜

👶 Early Years

🎓 Education and Financial Career

🇺🇸 Military Enlistment Motivation

Military Career 🎖️

✈️ Deployments and Service

📈 Promotions and Incidents

⚠️ Pre-Incident Factors

The Kandahar Massacre 🔥

🌃 Events of March 11, 2012

💀 Victims and Atrocities

🗣️ Bales's Account and Investigation

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing 🏛️

🚓 Arrest and Transfer

🤝 Plea Deal and Sentencing

📜 Appeals and Later Developments

Personal Life and Financial Strain 🏠

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Status

💰 Financial Difficulties

References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Case Overview

Robert Bales

Conviction and Sentence

Context of the Incident

Background and Early Life

Early Years

Education and Financial Career

Military Enlistment Motivation

Military Career

Deployments and Service

Promotions and Incidents

Pre-Incident Factors

The Kandahar Massacre

Events of March 11, 2012

Victims and Atrocities

Bales's Account and Investigation

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Arrest and Transfer

Plea Deal and Sentencing

Appeals and Later Developments

Personal Life and Financial Strain

Family Status

Financial Difficulties

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice