Fort Rucker soldier’s manslaughter case moved to October

The trial for a Fort Rucker soldier charged with the involuntary manslaughter of his infant son has been moved to October, according to authorities.

Spec. Dedrick Fisher is expected to appear in court on Oct. 13, according to Fort Rucker Public Affairs Officer Lisa Eichhorn. The case was originally scheduled to begin this week, but was continued after a request from the defense.

Fisher was charged with involuntary manslaughter after his son, Dedrick Fisher Jr., died Feb. 2 at Dale Medical Center of what authorities said was a non-accidental head injury. According to the autopsy performed by Alabama Medical Examiner Dr. Alfredo Paredes, the death was likely a result of several shaking episodes or blunt force trauma to the head.

Fisher’s civilian attorney, Victor Kelley, said in an Article 32 hearing that he believed there was no evidence supporting an involuntary manslaughter charge against Fisher.

Disputes between Dale County and Fort Rucker authorities over which jurisdiction Fisher would be charged in resulted in the installation having jurisdiction over the case. Enough information was gathered during the previous hearing on the post that the case was forwarded to Fort Rucker Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James Barclay III.

Barclay referred the case to a general court martial for prosecution.

If convicted, Fisher could face dishonorable discharge and up to 10 years in a federal prison.