Each of the now-former guards -- Paul Slough , Evan Liberty , Dustin Heard , Donald Ball and Nicholas Slatten -- faced 14 counts of manslaughter , 20 counts of attempted manslaughter and one count of using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime . 17 Blackwater security guards accused of killing Five people in U.S. in next week . Company says contractors came under attack , Iraqis call gunfire unprovoked . Judge found case was built largely on `` statements compelled under a threat of job loss '' Joe Biden said he is '' disappointed '' with the ruling , Heard will appeal .
17 Blackwater security guards accused of killing Five people in U.S. in next week . Company says contractors came under attack , Iraqis call gunfire unprovoked . Judge found case was built largely on `` statements compelled under a threat of job loss '' Joe Biden said he is '' disappointed '' with the ruling , Heard will appeal .