Soldier had schizophrenia at time of slaying
Posted: 02.01.2011 at 2:53 PM
David Lawrence  / FOX21: file photo
Photo

DENVER (AP) -- Army doctors say a soldier charged with killing a captured Taliban member in Afghanistan was suffering from schizophrenia and PTSD at the time and didn't realize his alleged actions were wrong.

But the father of David Lawrence said Tuesday that prosecutors want him to face a court-martial anyway.

He is charged with premeditated murder in the October death of the prisoner, who prosecutors say was asleep in a jail cell when he was shot. If convicted, Lawrence could face execution or life in prison.

His father, Brett Lawrence, says he learned Monday that prosecutors want the case to go to trial.

Lawrence is a private first class assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division at Colorado's Fort Carson.

Fort Carson officials didn't immediately return a call.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)