A Camp Pendleton Marine accused of beating to death Lance Cpl. Mario Arias may face criminal charges as early as this week.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service spokesman Ed Buice told the North County Times the investigation into the beating death of Arias is ongoing, and that authorities won't press charges against the unnamed Marine suspected in Arias' murder until he leaves the hospital. The suspect has been hospitalized since the murder, after jumping from the third floor of the barracks in an alleged suicide attempt.
The North County Times has reported what some believe the motive was for the beating:
The killing reportedly took place after the 19-year-old Arias confronted the suspect about his drinking, according to sources who have spoken to the North County Times.
Last week loved ones of Arias held a memorial service for him at Canoga Park High School, where he graduated in 2010. San Diego television station KFMB-TV put together a video report on the service:
