U.S. Soldier Pleads Guilty to Killing 16 Afghan Civilians in 2012

Avoids the death penalty

 Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales pleaded guilty Wednesday to the 2012 slaying of 16 Afghanistan civilians.

Bales entered the plea in a military courtroom to multiple counts of premeditated murder and other charges. By agreeing to plead guilty, he will avoid the death penalty.