Release from Pre Trial Confinement

Hi all,

It has been an eventful last several days. We have received some good news of late and I will do my best to share what I can. First of all, Andy was released from the Fort Lewis detention center. I was something we had looked forward to for a very long time, and we are so happy that it has finally come to pass. After his Article 32 hearing was reopened and a motion filed for his release from confinement, discussion between Andy’s attorney Daniel Conway and the prosecution gained traction. In light of the significant delay in bringing Andy’s case to a courts martial, the judge in the case concurred it was appropriate to release Andy from confinement. The order to release was signed last Thursday evening, and Andy was released Friday morning. A flurry of activity ensued and he is now able to move about with just a few restrictions. He has an ankle bracelet monitoring device, and he cannot leave the state of Washington. He was assigned to a new unit, and while he is more or less back in the real Army, he is not allowed to handle weapons. He will be with the unit until he goes back to court in September. Below are links to a couple of news stories. The first is from KTVB Boise has a phone interview with Andy and Dan Conway. Others fill in details that came out at various times during the day on Friday.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Pfc-Andrew-Holmes-talks-about-being-released-from-military-confinement-123666364.html

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Boise-soldier-accused-in-Afghan-killing-released-123639124.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/11/us-soldiers-crimesidUSTRE75A0AP20110611

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015296942_holmes12m.html#.TfQZllkjGtU;facebook

We also had some good news from the re-opened Article 32 hearing. “A forensic expert hired by the defense reviewed photos of the dead farmer and could not find wound patterns made by Holmes' weapon. Based on that expert's deposition, investigating officer Maj. Michael Liles said the Afghan's death "was likely due" to shots fired by two other soldiers. Army commanders at the base will review Liles' report and can accept the recommendation to reduce the charge, or retain the murder charge.” See the news article linked below.

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Pretrial-investigation-recommends-Pfc-Andrew-Holmes-charges-be-reduced-123742959.html

This past weekend Andy enjoyed time with his Mom and Step-Mom and friends. Friends on Facebook can check out the pictures. We will try to load some onto the webpage soon.Andy has an excellent legal team defending him through this ordeal. A Composite team of civilian and JAG attorneys is out there zealously defending him. Daniel Conway and Gary Myers are his civilian attorneys.

Their website is http://www.mcmilitarylaw.com/

We are deeply appreciative of the support being poured out upon Andy and his family. We are humbled and at times speechless. We have a huge extended family because of all this and are forever thankful to each and every new “family member”.

Anyone wishing to support Andy’s defense fund can do so at the websites below and his Facebook page (We Stand Behind PFC Andrew Holmes)pages below.

http://www.pfcandrewholmes.com/helpandy.htmlhttp://unitedpatriots.org/

Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and ongoing support.

Pfc. Andrew Holmes talks about his release from military confinement www.ktvb.com

Pfc. Andrew Holmes, a Boise soldier accused of killing an Afghan civilian, has been released from pre-trial confinement until his trial in September.KTVB's Scott Evans spoke with Holmes and his attorney Daniel Conway on the phone Friday afternoon.