SEATTLE (AP) — The attorney for the soldier accused of killing 17 Afghan civilians says the military is planning to conduct a comprehensive mental health evaluation of his client.
John Henry Browne says at a Friday news conference that officials would likely travel to the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to conduct the assessment of his client, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales.
Browne says the military initiated the evaluation and that it will take place within the next two months. He says it will likely delay the overall legal process involving Bales.
Bales has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder. The military says he left his base in southern Afghanistan and went on a shooting rampage through two villages on March 11.
