ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- A criminal charge was preferred against an airman first class assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing on Aug. 7, 2017.
Airman 1st Class David E. MacDonald was notified that the charge of murder, a violation of Article 118, of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, is being considered against him in relation to the death of his infant son on Nov. 7, 2016. An Article 32 pretrial hearing is scheduled to begin on Oct. 26 2017, here.
The investigation is ongoing and the military justice system is designed to ensure every individual is afforded a fair and equitable review of their case.
The 28th BW, and the Air Force in general, takes allegations of this nature seriously and fully pursues appropriate actions. However, military members under investigation, for any offense, are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“We must let due process take its course,” said Col. John Edwards, 28th BW commander.
The military justice system allows commanders to hold Airmen accountable for their actions, while protecting their Constitutional rights.