A decorated Fort Carson soldier, who was reported absent without leave in May, has become the second man arrested in the June killing of a 27-year-old Colorado Springs woman.

Joseph Tyler Kimsey, 23, is suspected of first-degree murder in the June 3 stabbing death of Ashley Melnyczok, Colorado Springs police said Tuesday.

Fort Carson officials say Kimsey, a sergeant in 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was reported AWOL from the Mountain Post on May 29.

“We are working with local law enforcement concerning this situation,” the base said in a statement.

Kimsey, who has served in the military since 2011, is a South Carolina native who has been awarded nine decorations, including the Army’s commendation and good conduct medals.

Kimsey was being held at the El Paso County jail at the time of his arrest in Melnyczok’s slaying after he was taken into custody in Cañon City on outstanding warrants June 30.

At the time of his June arrest, Kimsey was in possession of Melnyczok’s 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. He was also wanted on seven warrants in El Paso County for failure to appear in court on numerous charges, including fraud, vehicle theft, dangerous drugs and several traffic violations.

Jonathan Nelson, a 27-year-old Colorado Springs man, had earlier been charged with second-degree murder in the case.

“As the investigation continued, information was developed that a second suspect, (Kimsey), was present and participated in the murder of Ms. Melnyczok,” police said in a news release.

The Gazette, citing court records, reports Kimsey is an ex-boyfriend of Melnyczok.

Melnyczok was found dead in an apartment on the 7600 block of Matt Point.

Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul

The Daily Record contributed to this report.