Witness says he tried to act as buffer

FORT BRAGG — A witness in the trial of a New York National Guard soldier accused of killing a direct superior in Iraq said he tried to serve as a buffer between the two men.

Staff Sgt. Alberto Martinez has pleaded not guilty to two counts of premeditated murder in the 2005 bombing deaths of Capt. Phillip Esposito and 1st Lt. Louis Allen.

Martinez is accused of targeting Esposito, who oversaw the supply room where Martinez worked.

Staff Sgt. Luis Badillo testified Tuesday that he noticed a strained relationship between the men. He said Esposito criticized Martinez over his handling of his work duties.

Martinez is the first soldier from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be charged with killing a superior officer – an act known during the Vietnam War as “fragging.”

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)