MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Larry A. Framness, Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., pled guilty to charges stemming from three attempts to commit murder during a general court martial held at Miramar's Joint Law Center. In addition to attempted premeditated murder, Framness pled guilty to dereliction of duty, making a false official statement and adultery.

The charges were tied to an affair with the wife of Chief Warrant Officer 2 James H. Glass, also of MWSS-371. Framness attempted to kill his fellow chief warrant officer while both were stationed at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base, Kuwait.

Military Judge Col. Robert S. Chester, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, oversaw the proceedings.

The defense contested Framness was concerned for the welfare of Wendy Glass, Glass' wife, and that Glass' life insurance was not the prime motive for the murder attempts. Capt. Peter M. Madden, trial counsel, presented evidence which included Mrs. Glass' testimony that Glass was never a threat to her. The prosecution also produced physical evidence documenting how Framness and Mrs. Glass intended to use Glass' life insurance.

According to testimony, on May 13, 2003 while in theater, Framness asked Glass to accompany him to an abandoned guard shack in a secluded part of the base. Once inside the shack Framness stated he needed to leave to check out the situation, but instructed Glass to remain in the shack. While waiting in the shack, a grenade was thrown inside severely injuring Glass. Glass was able to make his way back to his tent, where he received medical care. Framness later turned himself in, admitting he was the one who threw the grenade.

"In a negotiated pre-trial agreement, Framness agreed to plead guilty to all charges in exchange for protection against a sentence of life without the possibility of parole," said Capt. Clinton M. Crosser, trial counsel.

As an inducement to the agreement, Framness agreed to waive his rights to parole and clemency for a period of 25 years.

Chester explained he considered Framness' otherwise spotless record when deliberating his sentence. However, he said he concluded that, "(Framness') actions speak of lies." Further, Chester called Framness' actions a, "conspiracy of the worst kind."

As in all courts-martial by judge alone, Chester was unaware of the contents of the sentencing portion of the pre-trial agreement.

The sentence includes dismissal from the United States Marine Corps, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances. Framness was given 258 days credit for time served in pre-trial confinement.

"Long-term confinees typically go to Fort Leavenworth, Ky.," said Crosser.
The next step in Framness' legal process is a series of appeals that are automatically invoked as a review of the proceedings.

Glass has been returned to full duty and continues his service in the Marine Corps. In his testimony he said he joined and continues to be a Marine because, "It was an ethos. I loved every idea (the Marine Corps) had. I love the Marine Corps. I love leading Marines. There is no better job than leading Marines."