Earlier this week, we reported that the man believed to have fatally shot a Mount Rainier park ranger had been found dead in the park. The man is believed to have died from exposure to the elements less than a mile from the spot where he had fled into the woods after the alleged assault on the ranger and other law enforcement officials.

According to a report in the Seattle Times, the 24-year-old suspect had a troubled past that may have foreshadowed the events leading up to the homicide and his death. He was a military veteran who served as a member of a communications team in Iraq. When his military service ended in the fall of 2009, he had completed nearly two years of active duty and held the rank of private first class.

The man reportedly received a misconduct discharge from the Army after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in March 2009. He pleaded guilty to DUI the following August, and was ultimately sentenced to supervised probation for six months, an alcohol education program, and a $350 fine.

However, the man suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his service in Iraq, according to a court filing from the mother of his 1-year-old daughter. She filed for a protection order on behalf of herself and her daughter based on the man's tendency to get "irritated, angry, depressed and frustrated." It is not known whether the man was ever diagnosed with PTSD, but the court filing makes it clear that he was suffering in some capacity from his time in service.

This is a sad story from every angle. Hopefully, returning Iraq veterans receive the help they need so we can avoid more incidents like this one.

Source: Seattle Times, "Suspect in ranger's slaying found dead in creek," Jan. 2, 2012