Original sentence: But if some of them were carrying weapons and opened fire, he may be found exonerated.Everything hinges on whether (a) the crowd was armed, and (b) the crowd fired first or Colonel Childers exceeded his orders and reacted based on anger or a darker motive.The defense and Childers respond that he was in fear for his Marines' lives and was in compliance with his orders and the rules of engagement.The prosecution asserts that Childers' order to fire was based on personal fear, racism, or confusion.The prosecution introduces previous actions by then-Lieutenant Childers in Vietnam to show a history of misconduct, including a witness
Edited sentence: But if some of them were carrying weapons and opened fire, he may be found innocent.Everything hinges on whether (a) the crowd was armed, and (b) fired first or if Colonel Childers exceeded his orders and reacted based on anger or a darker motive.Previous actions by the then Lieutenant Childers in Vietnam were introduced by the prosecution to show a history of misconduct, including a witness to the original actions in Vietnam.The defence and Childers responds with statements that he was in fear for his Marines' lives and was in compliance with his orders and the rules of engagement.The prosecution asserts Childers order to fire was based on personal fear, racism, or confusion