Marine gets trial date for Iraqi killing

OCEANSIDE, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- A U.S. Marine charged in the 2004 death of a detainee in Fallujah, Iraq, will face a court martial in February, the Marine Corps says.

The Marines set the official start of Sgt. Jermaine Nelson's court martial on unpremeditated murder and dereliction of duty charges for Feb. 16, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday.

Prosecutors have accused Nelson of shooting a detainee without just cause in Fallujah on Nov. 9, 2004.

Nelson's defense attorneys have maintained he was suffering from both sleep deprivation and post-traumatic stress at the time of the shooting.

The Union-Tribune said those representing Nelson, who is facing a life prison sentence if convicted, are attempting to stop certain prior statements allegedly made by Nelson from being used during his court martial.