Soldier charged with manslaughter to have trial next month

A Fort Rucker soldier charged with the death of his infant son is expected to go before a judge in August.

According to Fort Rucker Media Relations Chief Paul Prince, a military judge set the case of Spc. Dedrick Fisher for Aug. 24.

Fisher was charged with manslaughter after his son, Dedrick Fisher Jr., died Feb. 2 at Dale Medical Center of 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.

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 a previous hearing in the case to forward it to Fort Rucker Commanding Gen. Maj. Gen. James Barclay III, who referred the case to a general court martial.

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