Court martial under way for death of soldier

A court martial began at Fort Carson for the death ofArmySpc. Brandy Fonteneaux. The Texas native was found dead in her barracks on Fort Carson last January.

The court martial started with panel selection. The government and the defense asked panel candidates questions related to alcohol, prescription drugs and mental illness. There could be as many as 10 panel members during the court martial.

Jackson’s charge sheet said he stabbed Fonteneaux with a knife and strangled her with his hands. Fonteneaux’s family said Fonteneaux knew Jackson but not very well.

Fonteneaux, 28, was a food operations specialist in the Fourth Engineering Battalion who joined the army in 2009.

Jackson is a California native and a Purple Heart recipient.The Army combat engineerserved in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The court proceeding is scheduled through Dec. 14.