Goshen, NY – U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) announced today that a live feed of the trial of First Lieutenant Louis Allen's accused killer will be broadcasted at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Hall wrote in April to the Judge Advocate General, Major General Scott C. Black, requesting a live video feed of the hearings be broadcast at West Point so the family could watch the trial.

 

"I am extremely relieved that the judge has granted this request and decided to do what is best for Lt. Allen's family," said Hall. "They have already been through more than one family should have to endure. Providing Lt. Allen's family with access to the trial in whatever form is easiest for them is the least that can be done. They deserve to be able to watch the trial reasonably close to home, and West Point is a good place for that."

 

On June 8, 2005, First Lieutenant Louis Allen and Captain Philip Esposito were slain in an incident near Tikrit, Iraq.  Their accused killer, Staff Sergeant Alberto Martinez, is awaiting trial in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with proceedings expected to begin soon.

 

"My family is absolutely thrilled that not only will this relieve the financial burden of traveling to North Carolina, but each night we will now be able to return to our homes and be with our family after we listen to devastating testimony every day instead of going back to an empty hotel room," said Laurene Sandstrom, Lt. Allen's sister.

 

Hall wrote to the Judge Advocate General, Major General Scott C. Black in April requesting a live video feed of the hearings to be broadcasted at West Point.

 

"It is not feasible for Lt. Allen’s family, residents of my congressional district in New York State, to regularly attend court hearings in Fort Bragg without a significant disturbance to their daily lives," Hall wrote. "Therefore, I am requesting that a live video feed of the hearings be broadcasted at the United States Military Academy at West Point. It is our duty to honor those who have served and lost their lives in order to protect the freedom of Americans around the world.  Providing their families remote access to these hearings is the most basic form of 'Thank you' we can offer."

 

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