Master Sgt. Joseph D. Newell, of Tecumseh, Michigan, is accused of the murder and mutilation of an Afghan civilian. Newell admits to killing the man but claims it was in self defense. Newell's court-martial in Fort Bragg began on February 19, 2009.San Jose Mercury News: Green Beret: Afghan Man Lunged Before... (February 23, 2009)

Newell testified on February 23, 2009. He said he shot the man twice, on purpose, after the man lunged forward towards him. Newell could not explain why he cut the man's ear off except that he did not want to show fear.FayObserver.com: Court-martialed Green Beret Describes Killing (February 23, 2009)