A military police soldier at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is charged with murder and involuntary manslaughter after his infant son was shot in the head with a rifle inside the family’s on-post home.
He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Sept. 22. According to the court docket, his general court-martial is set to start Jan. 5, 2027, and he will face a panel that includes enlisted members.
The charges
The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel said the military police soldier is charged with one specification of murder and one specification of involuntary manslaughter in the death of his infant child on April 28, 2026, at his home on post.
The murder charge alleges he caused the death while engaged in an act inherently dangerous to another. The manslaughter charge alleges “culpable negligence.” The court docket lists the offenses under Articles 118 and 119 of the UCMJ.
Public reporting so far does not describe what led up to the shooting.
What the Army said
Fort Leavenworth said in a statement that the Army “takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and is committed to ensuring a fair and impartial process.” The statement added that he is entitled to due process and a robust defense.
What comes next
The court docket lists these dates:
- Motions hearing: Nov. 17, 2026
- Trial: Jan. 5 to Jan. 14, 2027, at Fort Leavenworth
- Forum: a panel with enlisted members
He has not been convicted of anything. He is presumed innocent unless the government proves the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Cover photo: Participants in the Royal Danish Air Force March walk around Sherman Army Airfield on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Aug. 28, 2026. The people pictured are unconnected to this case. U.S. Army photo by Sean Bergosh, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth, via DVIDS (ID 9909838), https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9909838/danish-ruck-march-conducted-fort-leavenworth. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
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Sources
- Stars and Stripes, “Fort Leavenworth soldier to face court-martial in shooting death of infant,” by Rose L. Thayer, Sept. 28, 2026, https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2026-09-28/soldier-charged-shooting-death-infant-22992893.html
- Military Times, “Soldier charged in shooting death of infant,” by Eve Sampson, Sept. 28, 2026, https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/09/28/soldier-charged-in-shooting-death-of-infant/
- U.S. Army Trial Judiciary eDocket, Fort Leavenworth general court-martial docket (Arts. 118 and 119, UCMJ), accessed Oct. 13, 2026
