Camp Chief Unfazed by Murder Charge

PHOENIX —  The director of a tough-love boot camp for teenagers says he will be cleared of a murder charge in the case of a camper who died last summer.

Camp director Charles Long II, 56, was charged with second-degree murder two weeks ago in the death of Anthony Haynes, 14.

Haynes died of complications of dehydration after he collapsed in triple-digit heat and two counselors put him in a bathtub to cool down, investigators said.

Haynes was attending a five-week boot camp near Phoenix operated by the America’s Buffalo Soldiers Reenactors Assn. The camp was shut down after the teen’s death, although the group still operates other programs.

Long also is accused of child abuse and aggravated assault.

“I’ve already won,” said Long in his first interview since his arrest. “I’m looking forward to going to court.”

Haynes’ father, Gettis Haynes of Hannibal, Mo., also is eager to go to court.

“I want to see justice,” he said. “My son died unjustly. He was my son, my only son.”

Two other supervisors at the same camp were arrested and accused of abusing children. One has pleaded guilty.