In an effort to protect the plea bargain that had given him a sentence of 25 years in prison – he could be eligible for parole in 9 years – rather than life, Williams said he altered his story to incriminate Anderson and please prosecutors.

Williams also says he was unhappy that Anderson was unwilling to testify that he saw an intact weapon near the dead Iraqi -- testimony that would have supported Williams’ initial assertion that he was defending himself.

Williams’ statement led to murder charges against his platoon leader. But Williams recanted at Anderson’s preliminary hearing. He now says the victim was dead before Anderson arrived.

Two contradictory versions. Which is true? That’s the problem with using snitches to build a case. They’re rarely reliable, particularly when the government buys their testimony in exchange for a lesser sentence.