Electrocution death called 'negligent homicide'

From Scott Bronstein and Abbie Boudreau
CNN Special Investigations Unit
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID) has changed the manner of death for a soldier electrocuted while showering at his base in Iraq from "accidental" to "negligent homicide," according to an e-mail from CID obtained by CNN.

Investigators are blaming KBR, the largest U.S. contractor in Iraq, and two KBR supervisors for the incident, saying "they failed to ensure that work was being done by qualified electricians and plumbers, and to inspect the work that was being conducted."

CNN first reported the story of the death of Sgt. Ryan Maseth, a highly decorated, 24-year-old Green Beret, last spring. The Pentagon and its contract agency have declined requests for an interview to answer questions about Maseth's death or other similar cases.

KBR has told CNN in the past it found no link between its work and the reported electrocutions and has denied responsibility in lawsuits filed against the company.