By Staff
The Associated Press
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — Another soldier is being punished for his role in the suicide of an Army private, who authorities say killed himself because he was hazed over his Chinese ancestry.
The Fayetteville Observer reported that Spc. Thomas Porter Curtis pleaded guilty Monday to hazing, assault, and other charges in the suicide of Pvt. Danny Chen of New York last fall in Afghanistan.
Curtis apologized to Chen’s family in his sentencing hearing, saying he had gone too far in his treatment of the 19-year-old soldier.
The 27-year-old Curtis from Hendersonville, Tenn., is the fifth soldier from Chen’s Alaska-based unit to stand trial. He could receive a dishonorable discharge, three years in prison, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and demotion to private.
Eight soldiers are charged in the case. (end)
