[This is the Navy's news description of the current status of this
case -- I thought I'd share it with you since I subscribed to NAVNEWS
for my general amusement.  In case it isn't obvious from the text of
the article, Schindler was the guy beaten to death in a public
bathroom in Sasebo, Japan, a month after informing his commanding
officer of his homosexuality and requesting a discharge. --gsb]

NNS80.  Sailor Faces Court-Martial in Murder of Shipmate
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Airman Apprentice Terry Helvey will face a
General Court-Martial on the charge of murder in the death of SN
Allen R. Schindler.
     CAPT Douglas Bradt, commanding officer of USS Belleau Wood
(LHA 3), decided to recommend a murder charge after receiving
recommendations from an Article 32 investigating officer.  An
Article 32 is the military equivalent of a civilian Grand Jury. 
Bradt then passed his recommendation to Commander, U.S. Naval
Forces Japan, RADM J. J. Hernandez, who is the General Court-
Martial convening authority for the U.S. Navy in Japan.
     Based on all the evidence presented at the Article 32 pre-
trial investigation hearing which took place Jan. 19-22, Bradt
deemed that a murder charge was warranted against Helvey. 
Hernandez concurred.
     Helvey will face charges as follows:
     -- One specification of violating Article 118 of the UCMJ,
murder.
     -- Two specifications of violating Article 128 of the UCMJ,
assault; these latter two specifications stem from an alleged
assault by Helvey on two shore patrolmen the night of the alleged
murder.
     -- Two specifications of violating Article 134 of the UCMJ,
false swearing.  False swearing involves giving a false oath or
sworn statement.
     -- A third specification of violating Article 134 of the UCMJ,
obstructing justice.
     The government is prepared to go forward with this trial
immediately and will recommend the court-martial be scheduled as
soon as possible.
     The case began in October 1992 in Sasebo, Japan, when
Schindler was killed.  Since that time, the Navy has been committed
to ensuring justice is served as quickly and as fairly as possible,
while carefully respecting and maintaining the accused's legal and
constitutional rights during the investigative process.  A delicate
balance must be maintained between the public's right to know and
the accused's right to a fair and impartial trial.
Story by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Public Affairs

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glenn S. Burke                | gsb@cambridge.apple.com
Phone: 617/374-5313           | Applelink: GSB

"It's the closest that most men may come, even in fantasy, to
imagining the everyday real-life experiences of women."  --Ellen
Goodman, summarizing the fears voiced by men in letters to her about
permitting homosexuals in the military.  (Boston Globe, 1/28/93)