(Fort Carson, Colo.) - A hearing to determine if a Dearborn County soldier should stand trial for killing a detainee continued Wednesday.

Pfc. David Lawrence provided

Pfc. David Lawrence is accused of killing the sleeping prisoner at a military installation in Afghanistan Oct. 17. 

The presiding officer of an Article 32 hearing underway since Monday at Fort Carson, Colo. will determine if Lawrence is fit to be court-martialed for premeditated murder. Lawrence could face the death penalty if convicted.

The Hidden Valley native’s defense is arguing he suffers from mental illness, including schizophrenia and depression.

Prosecutors say Lawrence had a “zeal to kill bad guys,” the Associated Press reports.

Reports say Lawrence was sleeping during the hearing Wednesday and at one point tried to walk out.

Testimony was heard from six fellow soldiers who spoke with Lawrence before and after the shooting occurred.

The Army has not identified the Taliban commander Lawrence is accused of murdering, saying the suspect went by several aliases.

LINKS:

Dearborn Soldier Accused In Prisoner Murder