Accused Troops' Supporters Busy Fundraising

Chief of staff for Marine Corps Installations West, Col. Stewart Navarre points to a member of the media during a press conference about the charges handed down to seven Marines and a sailor involved in the alleged killing of a Iraqi civilian Wednesday, June 21, 2006 in San Diego, Calif. All eight were charged with murder and kidnapping. Other charges include conspiracy, larceny and providing false official statements. (AP Photo/Chris Park) (Chris Park - AP)

Like Pennington, Jodka has been campaigning to keep his son's case in the public eye, appearing on a procession of news shows.

Family members believe that by drawing attention to the case they can ratchet up public pressure on the Pentagon and elected officials.

Last week, Camp Pendleton reduced the troops' level of security from maximum to medium and dropped a requirement that they be shackled whenever out of their cells. Military officials said the decision was made after a routine hearing, but Jodka thinks public pressure played a role.

"I think it was a catalyst, but there are a lot of people that helped," Jodka said.

For the last two Saturdays, protesters have congregated outside the base's main gate to protest the detention of the men. Another protest is planned this weekend.

Last year, Marine Lt. Ilario Pantano faced a court martial on charges he murdered two Iraqi civilians. He claimed self-defense, and his mother ran a high-profile publicity campaign during his trial. The charges eventually were dismissed.

Jodka cites that case as his "template," saying support in the community "had a direct effect at how people looked at the evidence being presented to the prosecution. That sunshine to the prosecution's case is exactly my intent here."

Besides Shumate, Pennington and Jodka, the other troops charged are Sgt. Lawrence G. Hutchins III of Plymouth, Mass., Cpl. Trent D. Thomas of Oceanside, Calif., Navy Hospitalman 3rd Class Melson J. Bacos of Franklin, Wisc., Lance Cpl. Tyler A. Jackson of Oceanside, and Cpl. Marshall L. Magincalda of Manteca, Calif.

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On the Net:

Camp Pendleton: http://www.cpp.usmc.mil