Brian Scott Freeman reported killed in Iraq

Brian Scott Freeman, a 31-year-old soldier who spent the first years of his life in Bakersfield, was killed Saturday in Iraq, according to relatives.

Freeman's father, Randy Freeman, said he learned of his son's death on Sunday. He said someone from the military told him his son was in a meeting in Karbala when motor and close-arm fire erupted. He believes his son was among the five victims of the gunmen who, according to media reports, disguised themselves wearing American military uniforms. He said the military has not confirmed this.

The U.S. Department of Defense has not identified Saturday's casualties.

Brian Freeman, a 1999 graduate of West Point, was a captain in the U.S. Army. He was active reserve.

He was born on June 13, 1975, in Bakersfield and moved with his mother to the San Diego area when he was about 5 years old, after his parents' divorce.

Randy Freeman and his second wife sold their home in Bakersfield last November to be closer to Brian and his family, who lived in Temecula.

Brian Freeman leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 3 and 1.

Randy Freeman described his son as "very low key. He's not one to get upset. ... He was just a real generous and loving son, loving father."

He said his son's assignment in Iraq was to help the government and people there "get back on their feet." He said his son was working with Iraqis to start a beehive venture they could sustain.

From the Californian