Fort Bliss soldier accused of murdering wife days after she returned from combat tour

A Fort Bliss soldier was charged with murdering his wife on the base in El Paso, Texas, only a week after she returned from a combat tour in Kuwait, military officials said Monday.

Sgt. Lance Colbert is accused of killing Staff Sgt. Amy Colbert on April 6, according to a Fort Bliss spokesman.

Lance Colbert, 29, is charged with murder, communicating threats, stalking and indecent language under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. He is in military custody awaiting a preliminary court hearing.

Amy Colbert, 27, had returned March 31 from an eight-month combat tour in Kuwait. She was a heavy vehicle operator but was serving as a chemical equipment repairer.

The mother of two was posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.

She joined the U.S. Army in 2011, less than a year after graduating high school, according to an obituary under her maiden name, Contreras.

She is survived by her two daughters, her parents, and her two brothers.