The Tacoma soldier who is accused of killing a fellow army couple and kidnapping their infant has been transferred to the custody of the United States Army. The Army will prosecute Specialist Ivette Gonzalez Davila for the murders of Army medics Timothy and Randi Miller, who were doused in acid after being shot. Davila was transferred yesterday from Pierce County Jail to the brig at Bangor's sub base. The Army is expected to charge Davila with the Millers' murders within the next 48 hours.

Pierce County had been ready to prosecute Spc. Davila, but was assured the Army would vigorously prosecute the case and keep the death penalty on the table as a punishment option. While there is no bail in the military judicial system, it is assumed, based on the severity of the crime, that Davila will be confined to the brig on base rather than an open barrack. Court-martials in the military are public and, if the case goes to trial, a panel similar to a civilian jury will be set to render judgment.

If sentenced to death, Davila will be the only woman on death row in U.S. military custody. In fact, the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., has not executed a prisoner since 1961. Only the President can commute a military death sentence. However, the President must also approve any death sentence before it is carried out by the military.

Photo by Seattlest Flickr Contributor, Life as Art