HONOLULU -- A 31-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier faces a military hearing Tuesday at Schofield Barracks in the killing of an American civilian in Iraq.

Spc. Beyshee O. Velez is charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and fleeing apprehension.

The charges are in connection with the shooting death on Sept. 13, 2009, of 27-year-old truck driver Lucas Vinson.

Vinson worked as an employee of military contractor KBR in Tikrit, Iraq. At Tuesday's hearing, an investigating officer will hear the evidence against Velez in order to make a recommendation to the 25th Infantry Commanding General about what charges should be referred to a court-martial.

If convicted, Velez faces life in prison.