The defense team, which includes civilian attorneys John Henry Browne and Emma Scanlan and detailed military defense counsel Major Thomas Hurley plan to spend several days meeting with Staff Sergeant Robert Bales this upcoming week.

Public reports that Sergeant Bale's supervisors, family and friends describe him as a level-headed, experienced soldier are consistent with information gathered by the defense team. It is too early to determine what factors may have played into this incident and the defense team looks forward to reviewing the evidence, examining all of Sergeant Bale's medical and personnel records, and interviewing witnesses.

Sergeant Bales family is stunned in the face of this tragedy but they stand behind the man they know as a devoted husband, father and dedicated member of the armed services.