Spc Bayshee Velez charged with murder in shooting death of Trent Lucas Vinson

Update

US soldier charged with murder in Iraq base death

(AP) – 45 minutes ago

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military says a soldier has been charged with murder in the slaying of a civilian contractor on an American base in Iraq.

Spc. Beyshee Velez of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, was charged Monday in the Sept. 13 shooting death of a contractor who worked for Houston-based KBR at a base in the city of Tikrit.

The 31-year-old suspect faces dishonorable discharge and a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty.

The soldier is being held in Hawaii pending the outcome of the trial.

The KBR employee, Lucas Vinson, was from Leesville, Louisiana.

KBR is the primary support contractor in Iraq. It provides troops with essential services, including housing, meals, mail delivery and laundry.