Lance Cpl. Mario Arias, the Camp Pendleton Marine found dead in his barracks early Sunday morning, was the victim of a homicide - according to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. And the suspected murderer is a fellow Marine.
NCIS spokesman Ed Buice told the North County Times:
The Marine suspected of being responsible was found outside the barracks where he had jumped from a third-floor balcony... That Marine, whom authorities refused to identify by name and rank, was being treated for injuries suffered when he hit the ground.
The NC Times also reports Arias was killed by a gunshot wound, although authorities would not confirm that information.
As Home Post reported yesterday, the 19-year-old Arias was an air-crew trainee assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Arias grew up in Canoga Park, California, and joined the Marines in August of 2010.
NBC 7/39 has more on Arias and his background:
