A U.S. Army military police Soldier stationed at Fort Leavenworth is facing murder and manslaughter charges in connection with the shooting death of his 7-month-old son.
Spc. Peyton D. Creel is charged under Articles 118 and 119 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice following the April 28, 2026 death of James Phillip “J.P.” Creel at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Creel serves in a military police role at Fort Leavenworth.
Reports about the case allege the Army charge sheet states J.P. was shot in the head with a rifle. Creel is accused of murder while committing an act prosecutors say was inherently dangerous to another person, along with involuntary manslaughter based on alleged negligence.
The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been publicly detailed by the Army.
J.P. was born Sept. 29, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas, to Peyton and Mary Liu Creel, according to his obituary. He died suddenly at Fort Leavenworth seven months later.
The obituary described J.P. as a playful and affectionate baby who loved spending time with his parents and grandparents. He enjoyed banging on keyboards, watching his father play games, pulling his mother’s glasses from her face and scooting around the room after the family’s dog and cats.
He was also fascinated by dinosaurs, which decorated his nursery and clothing.
His funeral was held May 14 at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia, Louisiana.
Creel pleaded not guilty during his Sept. 22 arraignment at Fort Leavenworth and has chosen to have his case heard by a panel that includes enlisted Soldiers.
A motions hearing is scheduled for Nov. 10, and his court-martial is expected to begin Jan. 5, 2027. The Army has reserved court dates through Jan. 14.
The murder and manslaughter allegations place the case under the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which handles some of the military’s most serious criminal offenses.
The Salty Soldier has requested original copies of court records related to Creel’s charges, including the charge sheet, in an effort to independently review the allegations and provide additional details about what prosecutors say happened.
Creel has not been convicted. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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