' Staff Sgt . The Army sergeant who admitted to gunning down 16 civilians in a 2012 rampage through two villages near his outpost in southern Afghanistan reportedly apologized Thursday , describing the massacre as an `` act of cowardice . '' James Bales reportedly says he ` ` hid behind a mask of bravado '' He has pleaded guilty to more than 30 criminal charges , including 16 conspiracy charges . A jury will decide whether the year - old Bales will have a chance at parole .
' Staff Sgt . James Bales reportedly says he ` ` hid behind a mask of bravado '' He has pleaded guilty to more than 30 criminal charges , including 16 conspiracy charges . A jury will decide whether the year - old Bales will have a chance at parole .