US soldier Robert Bales could face the death penalty, if he is found guilty of the murder of 16 Afghan civilians, the US Army says.
Sgt Bales is accused of committing the killings In Kandahar province on March 11 this year.
According to prosecutors, Sgt Bales left his base and went into a nearby village, entering a house and shooting 22 civilians, mostly women and children. A total of 16 were killed.