(Fort Carson, Colo.) - An Army psychiatrist has directed a Dearborn County soldier be kept at a mental health facility in Colorado the Associated Press reports.

Pfc. David Lawrence provided

Pfc. David Lawrence, who grew up and still has family in Hidden Valley, allegedly shot and killed a Taliban commander who he was supposed to be guarding at an Army outpost in Afghanistan last October.

Lawrence, 20, is charged with premeditated murder is in the midst of an Article 32 hearing at Fort Carson, Colo. to determine if he should be court-martialed. The former Lawrenceburg High School student could be sentenced to death if convicted.

Lawrence’s defense is arguing he suffers from mental illness and is therefore unable to be tried. He told others he was hearing voices and had visited with psychiatrists in Afghanistan just days before the shooting.

Military prosecutors have called claims that Lawrence suffers from schizophrenia and depression an act.

David’s father, Brett Lawrence, told the Associated Press that he is relieved that his son is being held at the unspecified psych ward.

LINKS:

Dearborn Soldier Accused In Prisoner Murder

HVL Soldier Facing Court-Martial