8 Troops Charged in Colleague’s Death

Eight American soldiers in Afghanistan have been charged with counts relating to the apparent suicide of one of their comrades. 19-year-old Pvt. Danny Chen, the child of immigrants, died in Kandahar in early October, reportedly after being physically and mentally abused by his fellow troops. Now, eight of his comrades have been charged on counts including dereliction of duty, negligent homicide, and reckless endangerment. The U.S. military, which unsealed the charges today, declined to give more details on Chen’s death or to clarify whether they believe it was indeed a suicide. In the meantime, the soldiers in question have been transferred and relieved of their duties.