Baghdad, Iraq ? The No. 2 U.S. commander in Iraq completed a review Friday of an investigation into a possible cover-up of the alleged Marine killings of 24 Iraqi civilians in the western town of Haditha.

Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli forwarded his findings and recommendations to Gen. George Casey, the top commander in Iraq, according to a statement.

The investigation was separate from an inquiry still under way into whether a small number of Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment murdered the 24 civilians – including unarmed women and children – Nov. 19 after a roadside bomb in the town killed one of their comrades.

Chiarelli’s report was based on an investigation conducted by Maj. Gen. Eldon Bargewell into whether the Marines followed proper procedures in reporting the incident to commanders, or whether anyone engaged in a cover-up.

The military initially said the Iraqi deaths were the result of the roadside bomb and a subsequent gunfight with insurgents.