CAMP PENDLETON – Camp Pendleton's commanding general has ordered a Marine to be tried for murder in the killing of an unarmed detainee in Fallujah, Iraq.

Sgt. Jermaine Nelson is among three Marines accused of shooting unarmed captives in November 2004 during some of the heaviest fighting of the war.

The 26-year-old Marine told investigators in March 2007 that his squad leader demanded help shooting four detainees after guns were found in the house where the Iraqis were held.

Nelson's attorney Joseph Low has said Nelson obeyed what he perceived as an order.

Nelson, of New York, is charged with a single count of unpremeditated murder and dereliction of duty. He faces life in prison if convicted.