Army Completes Staff Sgt. Maseth Death Investigation-Findings inconclusive
Army Completes Staff Sgt. Maseth Death Investigation
The Army announced today that the investigation into the tragic death of Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth has been completed. The extensive, eleven-month investigation conducted by the Army Criminal Investigation Command concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove that any one person, persons or entity was criminally culpable in the death of Maseth.
The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology medical examiner previously found the cause of Maseth’s death to be electrocution and the manner accidental. The completed Criminal Investigation Division death investigation concurs with those findings.
“This has been a complex investigation involving numerous people, circumstances and contractual agreements,” said Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commanding general, U. S. Army Criminal Investigations Command. “It was a lengthy, thorough and detailed investigation. Reviewing the many documents and issues did take an extraordinary amount of time, but we wanted to do everything we could to get it right. We owe that to Staff Sgt. Maseth and his loved ones.”
The investigation revealed that there were numerous entities and individuals, both contractors and government employees, who breached their respective duties of care; however none of those breaches, in and of themselves, were the proximate cause of his death. The investigation was closed with a finding that there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove any criminal negligence in the soldier’s death.
“As with all of our criminal investigations, if new, credible information becomes available, we stand ready to reopen the investigation to pursue the truth, wherever it may lead,” Johnson said.
There have been 18 reported deaths due to electrocution in Iraq since March 2003, including 16 service members and two contractors. Fourteen of these cases occurred in the field away from military facilities or in work situations that included performing maintenance on electrical systems.
After a series of electrical accidents and incidents, Multi-National Force–Iraq created Task Force Safety Actions for Fire and Electricity in August 2008 to assess and analyze fire and electrical safety issues in Iraq and then direct actions to remedy those hazards.
As of July 25, the task force has inspected more than 67,000 of the approximately 90,000 pieces of equipment and facilities in Iraq, many of which were substandard structures dating from the Saddam Hussein era. The task force is ahead of schedule to complete the inspections by November. The inspections have led to the correction of nearly 14,000 deficiencies found thus far as the facilities are brought into compliance with the United States National Electric Code. Most deficiencies have been related to electrical grounding and bonding that enables the proper functioning of circuit breakers.
Since Maseth’s death, there has not been another confirmed electrocution death of a soldier in Iraq.
For more information, contact Army Public Affairs, Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, christopher.garver@us.army.mil , or 703-697-2564.
For questions regarding the criminal investigation contact CID Public Affairs, Chris Grey, christopher.grey@us.army.mil, or (703) 806-0372.
For questions about Task Force SAFE, contact the MNF-I Press Desk at mnfipressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil.
(Click HERE for the original news release)
Friday, August 7th 2009 at 10:32 am |
I’m sure KBR Houston is dancing in the streets. Keep in mind they did NOT exonerate KBR. They did not say they were innocent. They did not say they were guilty. It was inconclusive.
That damn KBR must be made out of freakin’ teflon. Nothing seems to stick to those (fill in the blank)!
I can only imagine how angry Cheryl Harris and the rest of SSG Ryan Maseth’s family is. Justice was not served here criminally.
Evidently KBR can electrocute someone and get away with it. Yes…I am pissed at the system…at DoD.
Let’s press on civil court!
Friday, August 7th 2009 at 10:47 am |
No Ms Sparky they are not dancing a solider lost his life and that is something that cannot be undone. When people try to pin responsiblity on one company it is always something that comes up to prove to those who hate KBR that is not always the big company’s fault but as the report stated not only KBR bore responsiblity but other government departments as well. In civil courts yes the evidence prove fault is not as strong but still not only KBR should be sued but those who were found responsible as well. Ms Sparky as they have said before KBR did not build those buildings but was victims of get it done at all cost. Maybe next time when those who want to file a suit against KBR wait until the investagation is completed to see organizations are liable. I still feel bad for the family and hopefully those who decided award a contract to cheap ass company to build troop LSA will be held accountable not those who were charged to maintain the buildings.
Friday, August 7th 2009 at 11:42 am |
Sometimes lawsuits have to be filed in order to bring the truth to light. I’m sure you’ve read the investigation regarding the improper wiring of the water pump and who is said to be responsible. KBR is not the only company guilty of performing shoddy work but when someone dies due to negligence for what reason, this is what happens. Civil suits list the company and everyone individual associated with this incident. Construction and Inspection oversight makes someone responsible all the way down. Stating with product liability issues, the electrician to the company itself.
Friday, August 7th 2009 at 5:44 pm |
Baboo you are correct, bring everyone to the table not just KBR as some folks like to do.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 at 6:19 am |
Typical Army – If you all have learned anything in the past few years is stay away from the army. Run by incompetent people. I am an Electrical Engineer and recall telling my friends when the news of Sgt. Maseth’s death came out that something was not right. Grounding an electrical system as simple as a shower pump ( or the whole facility ) can be accomplished in a few hours – less time than it probably took to move in to the place.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 at 9:13 am |
Although KBR has not been exonerated of the charges, it’s ability to determine a criminal act has been committed or not has been compromised. An independent investigation should be conducted by an outside agency such as the FBI and not by an agency associated with the Army, which has awarded contracts and has the potential ability to influence the outcome and damage credibility to its commanding officers.
Saturday, August 8th 2009 at 10:04 pm |
To: Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, commanding general, U. S. Army Criminal Investigations Command.
KBR installed and wired the water pump what other complex issues could there be besides the CID’s inability to cut through KBR’s bogus crap I didn’t do it!
This reminds me of the bogus rape report at Bagram investigated by CID in June 2005, when people were brought in questioning. On person was asked to provide a suave DNA sample to clear himself. This individual freely did so.
During his brief interrogation, it was discovered CID wrongfully brought in the wrong person of when it was discovered he never lived in the suspected hooch assignment provided by KBR.
Monday, August 10th 2009 at 4:01 am |
Watch the movie – “The Verdict”, starring Paul Newman. After you watch it – think about KBR as the who-done-it character that did the dirty deed. “People” by big corporations are viewed using the phrase “Bean-Counting”. We are expendible, at-will, for the good of the whole corporation. Could KBR and AIG be affiliated in some-way. Pro–Publica investigated and founded through the “Freedom-of -information-act, that AIG’s tactic was to Stone-wall, Delay, Deny, everything, even though the evidence weighed heavily against AIG.
Look-up the phrase – “Bean-Counting”.
Monday, August 10th 2009 at 8:24 am |
Most interesting to see how many retiring military members are going to be snapped up by contractors in country. I believe the main fault has long been the DCMA who have babysat KBR and the rumors at TQ is the DCMA lead on site is very cosy with KBR and has protected them for a while now. If the Army do not consider its personnel worth hurting some fat cats feelings for, it is no wonder recruiting has suffered so much of late. If men and women are giving up years of their lives to serve their country, should we not try to serve them with decency and honor?
Saturday, August 22nd 2009 at 3:13 pm |
no charges filed hmm I told you guys let the investigation run it’s course isn’t it the “assumption the mother of all F****ups” my point is do not assume until you have all the facts
they did not get them in this case but they did not renew their contract went to Fluor last I checked be happy with that