Former Soldier Not Guilty Of First-Degree Murder
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Updated: 6:56 AM Nov 20, 2008
Former Soldier Not Guilty Of First-Degree Murder
A former Fort Carson soldier accused of killing a comrade has been found not guilty of first-degree murder. Louis Bressler was accused of shooting and killing fellow Fort Carson soldier Kevin Shields in December of 2007.
Posted: 4:00 PM Nov 19, 2008
Reporter: KKTV
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A former Fort Carson soldier accused of killing a comrade has been found not guilty of first-degree murder. Louis Bressler was accused of shooting and killing fellow Fort Carson soldier Kevin Shields in December of 2007.

A jury decided Wednesday afternoon that he is guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the case, but not guilty of first-degree murder or aggravated robbery.

Shields, 24, was found shot-to-death on December 1 on a sidewalk in the Old Colorado City area.

His family has been in the courtroom throughout the trial and is disappointed with the verdict.

"I know in my heart he killed my son. Whether he was found guilty or not, in my heart he will remain guilty," said the victim's mother Deborah Shields.

Besides Bressler, two other soldiers were arrested in connection with that murder, Kenneth Eastridge, and Bruce Bastien, Jr.

Eastridge testified against Bressler as part of a plea agreement. Bastien was also expected to testify against Bressler, but backed out at the last minute, pleading the 5th Amendment. There is no word yet on what charges Bastien will now face.

Bressler and Bastien were also accused in the murder of another Fort Carson soldier, Private First Class Robert James.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Watching from afar Location: Colorado on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:56 AM

You know.. It seems that the jurors made the right decision in the fact that 3 men were involved and they all point the finger at each other. They should have received equal sentence time.which would be reasonable to life in jail. I have followed this case from the beginning, and there is no hard evidence of which of the 3 pulled the trigger. My heard goes out to the family of the Victim of a tragedy committed by 3 men who will never feel the pain you do. My prayers go out to you today
Posted by: a juror Location: Colorado Springs, CO on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:08 AM

I am very sorry for the family and their loss. I hope they can accept our decision, there just was not any physical evidence that this man pulled the trigger.
Posted by: Deb on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:39 PM

Pure BS. I cant beleive the verict.Let a criminal walk in our city.
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