In The Dark: Episode 9 – Patient #8

Release Date: September 17, 2024

Introduction

"In The Dark," hosted by Madeleine Barron and produced by The New Yorker, continues its acclaimed exploration of investigative journalism in Episode 9: "Patient #8." This episode delves into the harrowing events of the Haditha killings that occurred on November 19, 2005, and uncovers a previously overlooked victim, Mamdu Hamid. Through meticulous research and personal interviews, the episode sheds light on the complexities and concealed truths surrounding this tragic incident.

Background: The Haditha Killings

The episode begins by revisiting the notorious Haditha killings, where U.S. Marines were reported to have killed 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians. Samara Freemark, one of the producers, shares her initial understanding:

Samara Freemark [00:32]: "For years, while reporting on the Haditha killings, I thought what everyone else thought, that there were 24 civilians killed by Marines on November 19, 2005."

This number was consistently cited in news reports and congressional discussions, painting a grim picture of accountability within the military.

Uncovering the Hidden Victim

As the investigation deepens, Samara and her team stumble upon unsettling discrepancies in the official records. A pivotal moment occurs when they discover a reference to another incident involving the same Marines that day, which had not resulted in any charges or public awareness.

Natalie Jablonski [02:03]: "Hey, Madeline."

Samara Freemark [02:10]: "I found something that's kind of interesting."

The team finds a statement from Lance Corporal Justin Sharratt, revealing an additional shooting of a man who appeared to survive initially but was later identified as Mamdu Hamid.

The Mysterious Case of Mamdu Hamid

The narrative takes a critical turn when Samara identifies Mamdu Hamid as "Patient #8." Despite being shot in the head by Marines, Mamdu was still alive when he was medevaced to the American military hospital in Baghdad. However, his fate remained obscured, and his family was left in agonizing uncertainty for nearly two decades.

Samara Freemark [10:12]: "Manda Amid Hamid."

Further investigation reveals that Mamdu’s body was released to the Baghdad morgue without any identifying information, rendering him an anonymous casualty of the conflict.

Connecting with Mamdu’s Family

Determined to provide closure, Samara reaches out to Khalid Salman Rasif, a lawyer who lost 15 family members in the Haditha killings. Through Khalid, they connect with Mamdu’s brothers, Qasim and Juma Ahmad Hamad.

Natalie Jablonski [35:06]: "I wanted to begin by telling you how sorry I am about what happened to your family and to Mamdu."

The brothers recount the tragic morning of November 19, 2005, detailing how Mamdu and his companions were ambushed by Marines without any apparent provocation.

Juma Ahmad Hamad [16:26]: "Ask him to take the truck, go to Beiji to bring gas."

The brothers describe Mamdu’s final moments, emphasizing his humanity and the brutal circumstances of his death.

Juma Ahmad Hamad [19:17]: "They took Mamduh and they left."

The Quest for Truth

Samara’s investigation leads her to Pedro Garcia, a Marine who was present on the Black Hawk helicopter that transported Mamdu. Garcia’s testimony reveals a deep-seated animosity and refusal to assist in saving Mamdu’s life.

Francis Wolf [23:43]: "Why? And I remember saying, fuck you, piece of shit."

Despite Garcia’s hostile reaction, it becomes clear that Mamdu was alive upon his arrival at Al Asad Air Base but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Natalie Jablonski [27:22]: "So on his death certificate he's just listed as an unidentified John Doe."

Reuniting with Mamdu’s Remains

The breakthrough comes when Mana, a researcher, identifies Mamdu's photograph in the Medico Legal Institute’s archives. Juma, accompanied by Mana, identifies Mamdu among the morgue’s records, confirming his death and location.

Samara Freemark [32:38]: "They told him that if a family member wanted, they could come to the morgue and look at the photos and see if Mamdu was in them."

The family’s emotional journey culminates in the identification of Mamdu’s body, allowing them to finally bring him home for a proper burial.

Juma Ahmad Hamad [35:21]: "He was very friendly, used to have jokes with others."

Emotional Reckoning and Accountability

In a poignant finale, Khalid Salman Rasif reflects on the broader implications of Mamdu’s story, adding another layer to the burden of loss inflicted by the Haditha massacre.

Khalid Salman Rasif [38:25]: "If only they told us that he is dead. At that time, they did not only kill him, they killed him twice."

The episode concludes by emphasizing the enduring pain of families seeking truth and accountability, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed Mamdu’s story to remain hidden for so long.

Conclusion

"In The Dark: Patient #8" masterfully intertwines investigative journalism with personal narratives to uncover a deeply concealed tragedy. Through relentless pursuit and empathetic storytelling, the episode not only sheds light on Mamdu Hamid's fate but also critiques the broader issues of military accountability and the human cost of war. This powerful installment exemplifies "In The Dark’s" dedication to uncovering the truths that lie beneath the surface, offering a voice to those silenced by conflict.

Notable Quotes

• Samara Freemark [00:32]: "For years, while reporting on the Haditha killings, I thought what everyone else thought, that there were 24 civilians killed by Marines on November 19, 2005."

• Juma Ahmad Hamad [19:17]: "They took Mamduh and they left."

• Francis Wolf [23:43]: "Why? And I remember saying, fuck you, piece of shit."

• Khalid Salman Rasif [38:25]: "If only they told us that he is dead. At that time, they did not only kill him, they killed him twice."

Production Credits

• Producer: Samara Freemark
• Host: Madeleine Barron
• Producers: Natalie Jablonski, Raymond Tungakar
• Reporter: Parker Yesko
• Editing: Catherine Winter, Willing Davidson
• Interpreting: Aya Muthana
• Additional Reporting: Namat Koshno (BBC Arabic)
• Sound Design: John Delore
• Music: Alison Layton Brown, Chris Julen, Gary Meister

Acknowledgments

The episode acknowledges the extensive collaboration among journalists, legal teams, translators, and field researchers who contributed to uncovering the truth behind Mamdu Hamid’s story. Special thanks are given to the FOIA legal team, researchers, and supporting staff for their unwavering commitment to investigative excellence.

For more details, photos, and access to the investigative database, listeners are encouraged to visit newyorker.com/seasonthree.