The United States Attorney’s Office today informed legal counsel for a former contractor employee that it is closing the investigation into the fatal shooting of Raheem Saadoun, an Iraqi security guard, who was killed on December 24, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq. The decision to close the investigation of Andrew J. Moonen without criminal charges was made following an extensive and thorough investigation into the fatal shooting. As part of that investigation, attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle, and from the Department of Justice, traveled to Iraq to interview witnesses and review evidence.

“We do not do this lightly,” U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan stated in the letter. “There is no question that the shooting death of Mr. Saadoun by your client was a tragic event.”

However, after reviewing all the available evidence and considering possible affirmative defenses, such as self defense, prosecutors have concluded there is not sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. That high standard must be met to bring a criminal case.

United States Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey informed Iraq government officials of the decision, and provided a letter to be conveyed to Raheem Saadoun’s family.

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