Charges were preferred today against a soldier who is accused in the deaths of three Afghan civilians.

Charges against Specialist Jeremy Morlock include: three specifications of murder under Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 118 - Premeditated Murder; one specification of assault under Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 128, Assault.
JBLM officials emphasize that the charges constitute an accusation and that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Morlock, 22, from Wasilla, Alaska, is an infantryman assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. He entered the military in June 2006 and reported to JBLM in December 2006, after receiving initial entry training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Morlock deployed in July 2009 with his unit in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom. He redeployed on June 3, and was placed in pre-trial
confinement. This was his only deployment.

Jurisdiction of Morlock's case was passed to JBLM upon his redeployment.

Criminal Investigation Command officials are continuing their
investigation into the case.