Md. Soldier Discussed Alleged Shooter

FEDERALSBURG, Md. - One of the victims of the mass shootings of American service personnel in Baghdad had talked about the accused shooter during an earlier telephone call with his family.

Five Americans were killed at a mental health counseling center on Monday.

The accused shooter is 44-year-old Army Sgt. John Russell of Texas.

Army Scout Michael Yates, 19, called his family on the Eastern shore of Maryland on Mother's Day.

According to Michael's stepfather, Yates described Sgt. Russell as a, "nice guy," but one with significant emotional problems.

Richard Van Blargan told reporters his stepson described Sgt. Russell as, "Out there on the branch hoping for somebody to help him."

Michael Yates' mother admits she has mixed feelings about the man accused of murdering her son.

"As much as I do have anger toward him," Shawna Machlinski, Yates' mother, explained, "I have sympathy."

Machlinski said she wishes Sgt. Russell had gotten help sooner or gotten, "more help."

The body of Michael Yates is expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base Wednesday evening.