KRIS

Posted : Jan 12, 2010 10:01 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - A Corpus Christi man is facing murder charges for killing two Afghan civilians.
It happened while Justin Cannon, a former Army Ranger, worked as a contractor for a private military company called Blackwater. Cannon's relatives maintain he has done nothing wrong.

Justin Cannon served as an Army Ranger for five years. After his term, Cannon missed his position in the Army and wanted to go back. Cannon's father, Chuck says it's a job his son was born to do.

"As a kid, the one thing he always wanted to be was a soldier. He's always wanted to serve his country," said Justin's father.

Justin was later hired by a private military company called Blackwater Worldwide and worked in Afghanistan, training local armed forces in the use of weapons.

But now Justin sits in the Aransas County Detention Center, awaiting his day in court, facing charges of 2nd degree murder.

The federal prosecutor says Cannon was not justified in opening fire on a car that caused an accident in front of their vehicle, which resulted in the death of two Afghan citizens. But Jean-Paul, a military contractor and close friend of Justin says Cannon only did what he had to do.

"It was definitely a case of self defense. I've talked to him many times and the story that he told me is the same story that's being posted. That he and his team came under attack and he both defended himself and his teammates," said Jean-Paul.

The case, along with several others like it, has raised many questions as to the level of oversight the U.S. government has regarding contractors in war zones. And while the fighting overseas continues, so does the Cannon family. Hoping to prove their son is a patriot, not a killer.

Justin Cannon is scheduled to have his bail hearing on Thursday. His defense will try to prove that Justin is neither a flight risk nor a risk to the community. His friends and family have also started a Facebook page and website, collecting donations and support, if he is granted bail next week.