Evidence hearing set Monday for soldier in Afghanistan murders

Spc. Jeremy Morlock, a 22-year-old Army soldier from Wasilla, Alaska, will face charges in connection with the murders of three Afghan civilians and other crimes at a hearing scheduled Monday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The Article 32 hearing is a key step in the Army legal process to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed ahead with a court-martial. If convicted of premeditated murder, Morlock could face punishment up to life imprisonment or death.

Morlock is one of five soldiers accused in the murders prosecutors say occurred in southern Afghanistan during January, February and May of this year. He would be the first of these soldiers to face an Article 32 hearing.

Morlock also faces six other criminal charges including assaulting another soldier, using a controlled substance (hashish), and trying to impede an investigation.

Morlock and the four other soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2009 with the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and served in Kandahar Province, the scene of some of the toughest fighting.

The charges against Morlock and the other soldiers were first released in early June, and the case has drawn national and international attention.

If the Army decides to move ahead with a court-martial, it is still uncertain when that trial would occur.

Hal Bernton: 206-464-2581 or hbernton@seattletimes.com