BOSTON -- A game of "quick-draw" is being blamed for the homicide of a North Falmouth soldier.

According to the Cape Cod Times, an investigative hearing was held Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas, regarding the death of Army Sgt. Matthew R. Gallagher.

An Army Criminal Investigation Division special agent who testified at the hearing said Gallagher’s roommate, Army Sgt. Brent McBride, admitted to accidentally shooting Gallagher in the head by accident hours after the incident in the Wasit province of Iraq.

Cheryl Ruggiero, Gallagher’s mother, was first told by the Pentagon that her son died in combat on June 26, a week before his 23rd birthday.

Initially, the Department of Defense called his death non-combat related. But Ruggiero said she was informed in August that her son's death was a homicide.

The paper reported that McBride testified he and Gallagher engaged in a longstanding game where both men would playfully drew their weapons on each other.

McBride said he drew what he thought was an unloaded .9 millimeter pistol on Gallagher, fatally shooting him in the head.

Gallagher served with the 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood.

The investigative hearing will determine whether there the government has enough evidence to move forward with a case. McBride could face negligent homicide, involuntary manslaughter or murder.

Previous Stories:

• November 11, 2011: Mom: Soldier Son's Death Ruled Homicide