Thankfully, being killed for being an atheist is not a common occurrence in America. However, the fact that an individual could be killed for being an atheist, and the additional fact that a group of people would condone and help cover-up such a heinous crime, points to a larger, systematic problem.
The fact is atheists, freethinkers, and other non-theists in America face abuse, discrimination and marginalization on a regular basis. Those atheists brave enough to come out of the closet and speak their truth take a personal and professional risk. This story is a sad commentary on contemporary American society, and flies in the face of the secular vision upon which this nation was founded.
MORE: http://www.examiner.com/humanist-in-national/soldier-shot-and-killed-for-being-an-atheist
See also...
Body found in North Texas identified as soldier
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Body-found-in-North-Texas-identified-as-soldier-3403078.php
