Marine Sgt. Ryan Weemer (pictured) was ordered today to a court martial for allegedly killing Iraqi prisoners during a battle in Fallouja in late 2004.

Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland, commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, made his decision based on evidence uncovered by Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents and during a preliminary hearing.

Weemer, 25, is charged with unpremeditated murder and dereliction duty. He allegedly killed prisoners rather than process them according to the laws of war.

During his preliminary hearing, prosecutors played a tape recording in which a co-defendant, Sgt. Jermaine Nelson, confessed that he, Weemer and Sgt. Jose Nazario killed the prisoners. Nazario, no longer in the Marine Corps, faces charges in federal court in Riverside.

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo: Sgt. Ryan Weemer enters a courtroom at Camp Pendleton. Credit: San Diego Union-Tribune