Michael Behenna Granted Parole After Five Years In Fort Leavenworth

Michael Behenna was granted parole after serving five years in the Fort Leavenworth military prison. The former United States Army First Lieutenant was sentenced to 25 years for the death of Ali Mansur — a suspected Al Qaeda operative.

On April 21, 2008, Behenna’s platoon was hit with an IED during a convoy. The attack killed specialists Steven Christofferson and Adam Kohlhaas. Although there were only two casualties, numerous others were severely injured.

On May 5, 2008, Behenna received intelligence that suggested Mansur was responsible for the attack. Based on the military intelligence, Behenna and his platoon captured and detained Mansur for questioning.

On May 16, Behenna was ordered to release Mansur, as the evidence of his involvement in the attack was deemed insufficient for continued detention. The platoon organized a convoy and began traveling toward the detainee’s home.

Although the details have not been confirmed, the platoon reportedly stopped to ask Mansur further questions about the April 21 attack. Witnesses said the detainee refused to answer any questions, which caused Behenna to lose his temper.

Lieutenant Michael Behenna reportedly threatened the detainee numerous times before shooting him in the head execution style. Mansur’s burned body was discovered under a bridge by local villagers.

Behenna argues that he killed Mansure in self-defense. He said he was simply protecting his platoon. The former lieutenant said he shot the detainee two times. However, he did not report the incident because he panicked.

In July 2008, the former lieutenant was charged with premeditated murder. In February 2013, a panel of seven Army officers ruled that Behenna was guilty of unpremeditated murder and assault. He was sentenced to 25 years.

Although the sentence was later reduced to 15 years, the former lieutenant was devastated. He truly believed he was imprisoned for defending his life.

As reported by News OK, Behenna spent five years in prison. However, on Wednesday, the US Army Clemency and Parole Board announced that the former lieutenant was granted parole and will be released from prison on March 14.

Behenna will remain on parole for 10 years. However, he will be free from the confines of the prison. His family said he plans to work on an Oklahoma cattle ranch while he attends classes at Oklahoma State University.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who has supported Behenna and his family, issued a statement about the news:

“I am glad this long ordeal has finally come to an end for Michael Behenna and his family. Michael went to Iraq to serve his nation and to defend liberty both here and abroad. Instead, he found himself mourning the loss of his friends from the inside of a cell. I believe the Army acted appropriately and compassionately in offering him parole.”

Michael Behenna will return home with his family on March 14.