Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Jim Risch is preparing a letter to the U.S. Army prosecutor urging him to add an additional count of murder against Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the alleged killer of 13 people at Fort Hood last week. On Thursday military officials announced 13 charges of premeditated murder against Hasan, but left the door open for more charges.

"Both federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice allow for a murder charge when a person causes the death of an unborn child. One of the victims, Private Francheska Velez, was pregnant when she was killed and as a result, her child died as well," said Risch. "It is important for this child to have justice and for recognition that this family suffered two deaths in this senseless rampage."

Risch joins fellow U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in calling for the additional charge of murder against Hasan, who will be tried in military court.

"As a former prosecuting attorney, I understand the importance of treating all lives, including those of the unborn, with dignity and respect. Prosecuting Major Hasan for taking the life of an unborn child is consistent not only with the demands of the UCMJ, but also consistent with the demands for justice," Risch concluded.

###