The manslaughter charge against Army Spc. Ryan Offutt in the death of Pvt. Danny Chen has been dropped, according to the Associated Press. But an investigative hearing in Kabul, Afghanistan recommended Offutt face court-martial because of alleged hazing against Chen that may have caused him to commit suicide.
If the regional American military commander approves a court-martial, Offutt will face charges of negligent homicide, assault, and reckless endangerment.
Chen died October 3, 2011 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Elizabeth R. OuYang, a spokeswoman for the Chen family, told the New York Times:
The other seven soldiers charged in the death of Chen will get their own investigative hearings next month.
