The 19-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine found dead in his barracks last weekend was beaten to death, according to the North County Times. Ed Buice of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service told the newspaper Lance Cpl. Mario Arias died from wounds "suffered at the hands of a fellow Marine."
That Marine - the only suspect in the murder - jumped from a third-story balcony at the barracks and is currently hospitalized with major injuries. His name and rank hasn't yet been released.
The motive for the murder?
Two sources have told the North County Times that the suspect was apparently drinking when he was confronted by Arias about his alcohol use. The sources say the suspect became enraged, severely beat Arias and then jumped in an apparent suicide attempt.
Arias grew up in Canoga Park, California and joined the Marines in 2010. He was an air-crew trainee assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
