The trial of a Marine drill instructor charged with negligent homicide in recruit Dalton Beals’ death has been delayed by nearly two months, according to the Marine Corps Times.

The delay will give lawyers more time to review new evidence discovered by a second autopsy. According to the newspaper, Beal’s second autopsy determined he died of heart problems. This contradicts the first autopsy, which said he died of hyperthermia, caused by overheating.

The prosecution also requested a delay to work through potential evidence from a new Naval Safety Center investigation into Beals’ death. This investigation is different from Command Investigation and Line of Duty Determination report obtained by the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette previously.

Beals died June 4, 2021, during the Crucible, a rite-of-passage held during week 10 of recruit training at Parris Island, when recruits march 48 miles over 54 hours carrying up to 45 pounds of gear through 36 stations and problem-solving exercises.

In November, Staff Sgt. Steven Smiley was charged with negligent homicide in addition to dereliction of duty resulting in death; cruelty, oppression, or maltreatment of subordinates; and obstruction of justice.

Dalton Beals