Paris Island D.I. to Face Court Martial in Jason Tharp Death

Investigating Officer recommends general court martial against Parris Island swim instructor (WIS-TV, NBC10, Columbia, SC)

The Article 32 investigating officer has recommended that charges against a Parris Island swim instructor, including negligent homicide, be referred to a General Court-Martial.

The charges stem from the drowning death of Private Jason Tharp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot’s pool on February 8, 2005. A Marine investigation found Lopez didn’t get Tharp out of the pool quickly enough when he showed signs of distress. After that, she was placed on administrative suspension.

The Article 32, the military’s version of a civilian grand jury investigation, was held August 4-5, 2005, at Parris Island. During that military hearing, Lopez’s lawyer argued she did everything she was trained to do

WIS has extensive coverage of the story as it unfolded:

Investigating Officer recommends general court martial against Parris Island swim instructor

Marines call Parris Island recruit drowning “tragic and preventable”

Family of drowned Parris Island recruit talks to WIS

Final report on drowning of Parris Island recruit to be released Tues.

Autopsy indicates Parris Island recruit drowning accidental

Marines investigating death of Camp Lejeune recruit

Scholarship in Jason Tharp’s memory offers local students opportunity for college

WV Scholarship set up to honor marine recruit who died at Parris Island

Tharp’s Parris Island platoon reunites with family

Parris Island recruits take first steps in Marine training

via Jeff Quinton