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Fellow Marine Admits Assault On Santa Clara Marine Before His Suicide

SANTA CLARA (KCBS)— Lance Cpl. Jacob Jacoby admitted that he punched and kicked fellow Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Lew of Santa Clara just before the 21-year-old killed himself in Afghanistan.

In a special court-martial hearing on Monday, Jacoby was sentenced to 30 days confinement and his pay was cut.

As part of a plea deal, prosecutors withdrew charges that Jacoby humiliated and threatened Lew for repeatedly falling asleep while on watch for Taliban insurgents.

Lew was the nephew of U.S. Rep. Judy Chu from Southern California. She honored her nephew on the House floor.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

"Harry Lew was a good son and brother a friend to many, a great performer and a dedicated soldier by all who knew him. His ready smile and warm attitude will be remembered by all who knew him. His sacrifice for his country will never be forgotten," she said.

Two other Marines accused of hazing Lew before he shot himself will have separate court martials.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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