8 Soldiers Charged in Comrade's Death
Chen was found shot to death in a guard tower in Afghanistan. Army officials say it was suicide, but Chen's family says it wasn't that simple. At a press conference with family and community members there are claims Chen may have been subjected
by
Bonny Ghosh; Associated Press
Story Created:
Dec 21, 2011 at 7:58 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Dec 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM AKDT
He was their only child, just 19 years old, but what Private Danny Chen's parents would like to know is how their son died. Now with an open military investigation they hope to find the answers
"It's of some comfort the Army is taking this seriously," said Elizabeth Ouyang, a community activist who is representing his parents, Chinese immigrants who live near New York City's Chinatown neighborhood. "She (Chen's mother) hopes that the truth will come out."
Chen was found shot to death in a guard tower in Afghanistan. Army officials say it was suicide, but Chen's family says it wasn't that simple.
At a press conference with family and community members there are claims Chen may have been subjected to hazing and racial slurs
"We were told he was dragged out of his bed," Ouyang said. "We were told he was forced to do bed crawl as they threw rocks at the back of his neck."
Details only known from a journal Chen left behind. Now eight of Chen's fellow soldiers are charged with involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide among other charges. Military officials won't comment on the investigation but to say hazing is not accepted
"Hazing is not tolerated in the military," said Navy Captain John Kirby, Pentagon Spokesperson. "If it's found and proven then it's dealt with."
The family is scheduled to meet with pentagon officials in early January. They say regardless of who pulled the trigger they hope to see justice for Chen's sake. "Regardless of if it's suicide or homicide," Ouyhan said. "Those who were mistreating Danny caused his death."
Chen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
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