Army Seeking Death Penalty for Sergeant Accused of Killing Afghan Civilians Officials said Wednesday that the Army plans to seek the death penalty against Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, an 11-year-military veteran who is accused of killing 16 civilians in Afghanistan this year, reported The Times' Kirk Johnson. A military death sentence hasn't been carried out since 1961, and for the death penalty to be imposed, "the court-martial panel must unanimously find Sergeant Bales guilty, with at least one aggravating factor that "substantially" outweighs any extenuating or mitigating circumstances." Related Links: