FEDERALSBURG, Md. - Maryland native Private Michael Yates was killed in what is now the deadliest case of soldier-on-soldier violence in the Iraq (web | news) war. Wednesday morning, his family spoke to ABC 7 about their loss.

Outside the family home in Federalsburg, Pfc. Yates' stepfather, Richard Van Blargan spoke through tears as he described his stepson as an honorable person who took care of his responsibilities and wanted to serve his country. He added that Yates was one of the lucky ones who knew he needed help and was being treated at the stress center.

"He is going to be missed. He was a good man, a good father; he was a good son," said Blargan.

"He said I need help dealing with this and his alternative was to go to this program to help him not be so stressed out," said Shawna Machlinski, his mother.

Blargan also mentioned that Pfc. Yates had spoken of the man who is now accused of taking his life. "On the conversation with my wife on Mother's Day, he said that he had met a Sergeant that, was in his words, he was a very nice guy. He could deal with him, but he had some major issues," Blargan said.

The family is strongly pro-military, with three members serving in various branches of the military. Still, there were conflicting emotions expressed Monday morning. Private Yates' mother argued, "Bring them home. They don't need this, bring them home."

"Your taking a 19-year-old boy and turning him into a man, teaching them how to kill people," added Yates's father.

Pfc. Yates had a one-year-old son, who lives with his mother in Seaford, Delaware, about ten miles from Federalsburg, Maryland. The private's body will arrive here in the U.S. at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dover Air Force Base. They say a funeral will take place in Federalsburg in the next couple of days.

Accused shooter Sergeant John Russell faces five counts of murder and one of aggravated assault in Monday's shooting at Camp Liberty.

The family is still unclear about exactly what happened. Machlinski added, "Yes, there are mixed emotions. I feel for [Russell] but I am at the same time very angry with him."

On his third tour of duty, ten-year Army veteran Russell was being treated at a stress clinic. Russell's father clams he was being treated poorly.

The U.S. military command is now investigating whether it offers adequate mental health care to troops.

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