At the time, the agent said, Wilsey was wearing a T-shirt with an image of the purple suit and green vest of the Joker from Batman. The agent said the journal mentions the T-shirt.

An Article 32 preliminary hearing is similar to a civilian preliminary hearing or a grand jury and is used to determine if there is enough probable cause to move the charges forward.

A report on the charges against Wilsey will be made and given to Col. George M. Reynolds, 55th Wing Commander, who will review the charges and determine how to proceed. The charges could be dismissed, tried in a special court-martial or forwarded for consideration to be tried at a general court-martial, according to Drew Nystrom, a 55th Wing spokesman.

If the case is referred to trial, premeditated murder carries a maximum punishment of life without eligibility for parole, Nystrom said. Desertion terminated by apprehension carries a maximum punishment of three years confinement.

After Dillard’s death, Wilsey went missing. He was found nearly two weeks later in Emporia, Virginia, and was returned to Offutt, where he has been held since, Offutt officials said.

During his time away, the agent said, Wilsey sent Snapchats and left voicemails for friends.

He also sent a text.