Fifth soldier faces trial in death of Pvt. Danny Chen
Pvt. Danny Chen, a 19-year-old from Manhattan, was found dead in a guard tower in Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2011. Eight American soldiers have been charged. Credit: Handout/U.S. Army
A trial is scheduled to begin Monday for the fifth soldier charged in connection to Pvt. Danny Chen's death.
Spc. Thomas Curtis, 27, is charged with repeatedly hazing Chen, of the Lower East Side, as well as two other soldiers. Chen shot himself last October in a guard tower in Afghanistan.
Prosecutors say Curtis, who was awarded a Purple Heart, pelted Chen with rocks, kicked him, dragged him across the ground by his vest and called him several inappropriate names, including "fortune cookie," and "egg roll."
Eight soldiers were charged in Chen's death.
Last week, Sgt. Travis Carden was sentenced to a reduction in rank and forfeiture of 2/3 of his pay for one month. Previously, Sgt. Adam Holcomb was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a reduction in rank and pay, Spc. Ryan Offutt was sentenced to six months in jail and a bad conduct discharge and Staff Sgt. Blaine Dugas was sentenced to three months in jail and a reduction in rank.
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