Army Prepares Prosecution For Soldier's death - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - The Army is preparing to prosecute a soldier for the death of Pfc. Neil Turner of Tacoma in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The News Tribune reports Army officials initially called Turner's death a "training accident." But now they are bringing charges of manslaughter against Spc. Francisco Perez, who's accused of firing a rocket at Turner inside their base in Logar province.

Perez allegedly killed 21-year-old Turner on Jan. 11 with a light anti-tank weapon, a shoulder-fired rocket launcher designed for use against armored vehicles and other hardened targets. The weapon did not detonate, but was fired at close range and pierced Turner's upper chest, according to Turner's family and Army charging documents.

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