Soldier accused in Afghan slaying granted release

Pfc. Andrew Holmes, one of four soldiers accused of murdering unarmed civilians while serving in southern Afghanistan in 2010, was released from pretrial confinement Friday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Holmes had been confined at the base since returning to Washington state last summer to face charges that included the premeditated murder of a young Afghan farmer in January 2010.

Holmes' release came after discussions with prosecutors over their desire to delay his court-martial until September, according to Dan Conway, a defense counsel. Holmes would agree to that delay only if he was released from confinement while awaiting trial, according to Conway.

Army officials said Friday that Holmes' release followed a determination that he was no longer a flight risk or a danger to the "immediate community."

Upon his release, he reported to his unit with the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and is being subject to monitoring and a ban on travel outside Washington state, according to Lt. Col. Gary Dangerfield, an Army spokesman at the base.

Also last week, an Army officer released the results of a pretrial investigation, which recommended that Holmes be charged with manslaughter rather than premeditated murder in the January death of the Afghan.

The defense team hired a forensic expert, who reviewed photos of the dead farmer and could not find any wound pattern made by Holmes' Squad Automatic Weapon. Based on a deposition filed by that expert, the investigating officer, Maj. Michael Liles, said the Afghan's death "was likely due" to shots fired by two other soldiers.

Liles' report will be reviewed by Army commanders at the base, who can choose to accept the recommendation and reduce the charges against Holmes. Or, they could opt to reject the recommendation and retain the murder charge.

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