U.S. soldier charged in shooting death of Kosovo boy

From CNN National Security Producer Chris Plante

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier has been charged with negligent homicide and dereliction of duty in the July 10 shooting death of a 6-year-old ethnic Albanian boy in Kosovo, the Army announced Friday.

Private First Class Nicolas E. Young was part of a group of U.S. Army soldiers visiting the Gornja Slatina school in the town of Cerkes Sadorina when his M-249 squad automatic weapon discharged.

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Rounds from the machine gun struck Gentrit Rexhepi in the chest and arm. The boy later died at Camp Bondsteel, where Army doctors tried to save his life.

Young's unit, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, "sponsored" the school and was on a goodwill mission at the time of the incident, the Army said, getting the school grounds ready for the upcoming school year.

"Preferral of charges represents an accusation only," an Army statement said. "An accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."

If found guilty, Young could face a maximum of 3 1/2 years in prison, reduction in rank, a dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay.

At the time, Army officials described the incident as an accidental shooting.

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