Key events in US Marine rape case in Philippines

Key events in US Marine rape case in Philippines

Key events leading to Thursday’s court decision overturning the 2006 rape conviction of a U.S. Marine in the Philippines.

— Nov. 1, 2005: A 22-year-old Filipino woman files complaint alleging she was raped by a U.S. Marine after a night of drinking at Subic Bay, a former U.S. Naval base.

— Jan. 12, 2006: A Philippine judge issues arrest warrant for Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith and three other Marines.

— Jan. 17, 2006: The U.S. rejects a Philippine request to hand over the Marines.

— April 28, 2006: The Marines refuse to answer rape charges against them, judge enters a not guilty plea.

— July 6, 2006: The accuser breaks down on the stand as she identifies Smith as her rapist. She says she was too drunk to stop the assault.

— July 17, 2006: Smith testifies he had consensual sex.

— Dec. 4, 2006: Smith is convicted of rape, sentenced to 40 years. The three other Marines are acquitted.

— Dec. 29, 2006: Philippine officials allow Smith to be whisked from a local jail to the U.S. Embassy.

— Feb. 11, 2009: The Supreme Court orders Smith to be moved from the U.S. Embassy to Philippine custody while case on appeal.

— March 17, 2009: The accuser alters her testimony and emigrates to the U.S., saying she was no longer certain that a crime took place.

— April 23, 2009: A Philippine appeals court overturns Smith’s conviction and orders his immediate release.