Army investigates plot warning from soldier’s dad

SEATTLE (AP) — A spokesman says the Army is investigating claims that a soldier’s father tried to issue a warning early this year about a plot to kill civilians in Afghanistan.

Christopher Winfield, the father of Spc. Adam Winfield, says he received troubled messages from his son in February, saying his colleagues had murdered one civilian and planned to kill more. Christopher Winfield’s phone records show he made calls that day to Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Seattle, where his son’s unit is based, and spoke to a sergeant. He also said he left a few messages.

No suspects were arrested until May, after two more civilians had been killed. Spc. Winfield is among those charged.

Col. Tom Collins said today that the Army has not uncovered evidence that Winfield left messages. But he says investigators have determined with whom Winfield spoke. Collins would not release further details.