The hazing involved breaking into Melgar’s room with a sledgehammer, pinning him down and rendering him unconscious, before tying him up and hiring a local Malian guard to lie down half- naked next to Melgar while a British man would record the action. Navy SEALs―Petty Officer 1 st Class Anthony DeDolph and Chief Petty Officer Adam Matthews―and two MARSOC (Marine Forces Special Operations Command) operators, Gunnery Sgt. Army Green Beret, died in a hazing incident involving alcohol and “frat-like” behavior as a result of the actions of two U.S. Navy’s Special Warfare elements.Īccording to court documents, Staff Sgt. However, the case showcased the problems within the SEAL community, and the hurdles that DeDolph’s involuntary manslaughter conviction poses to legitimate reform of the U.S. Outside of military circles, the incident remains largely unknown and forgotten. While the incident was well-reported in the media, there was little public outcry. The crime occurred in June 2017, in the African nation of Mali, where both men were serving in an intelligence operation.

Army Green Berets.ĭeDolph, a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as SEAL Team 6, “ pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault, involuntary manslaughter, hazing and obstruction of justice.” He also forfeited pay, was reduced in rank to an E-1, and received a dishonorable discharge. Navy SEALs was sentenced to ten years in prison for the involuntary manslaughter of Staff Sgt.

23, Chief Petty Officer Tony DeDolph of the U.S.

Former Chief Petty Officer Tony DeDolph, left, a member of SEAL Team 6, pleaded guilty in January to several charges in the June 4, 2017, death of Staff Sgt.

Navy seal held for trial of war crimes