But the investigation into that other sailor stopped when he was discharged from the navy – the military branch lost jurisdiction over him, and he was ruled out as a suspect, KFMB reported. The suspect had purportedly been seen “sprinting” from the lower vehicle deck on the same morning of the fire. Prosecutors charged Mays and tried to convict him based on that witness’s statement, saying he had both the opportunity and a motive – his failure to complete Navy Seal training – to start the fire.īesides highlighting inconsistencies in the main witness’s statement and getting him to admit he felt he was under pressure when he identified Mays to authorities, the defense established that investigators had developed another compelling suspect. They did speak with an eyewitness who, after multiple interviews, claimed to have seen Mays walk down into the lower vehicle deck while holding a bucket shortly before smoke began billowing out of that part of the ship. Investigators could not find any physical evidence that illustrated what started the immense fire.
The flames also inflicted extensive structural, electrical and mechanical damage to the Bonhomme Richard, and the $1.2bn ship was scrapped, capping off the worst non-combat US military warship fire that many could remember.
It burned for nearly five days, leaving more than 60 sailors and civilians with heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and other minor injuries.
#Usa modern warships series
1975 Modern Military Series Warships Sea Power Since The. Willmott at the best online prices at eBay Free shipping for many products. The fire that started on the Bonhomme Richard in San Diego Bay on 12 July 2020 began in the amphibious assault ship’s lower vehicle deck and within two hours had spread out of control. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1975 Modern Military Series Warships Sea Power Since The Ironclad H. “I could say the past two years have been the hardest two years of my entire life.”Īdding that the prosecution cost him friends and time with relatives, Mays also said: “My entire navy career was ruined – I am looking forward to starting over.”
“I am so grateful that this is finally over,” he told reporters after the judge in his case announced the acquittal.
0 kommentar(er)
