Marine to Be Tried for Murder in Crowbar Beating

The Marine accused of killing his roommate will face murder charges, the North County Times reports. Lance Cpl. Darren Evans is accused of beating to death Lance Cpl. Mario Arias, 19, Nov. 16 in what witnesses described as "” during an Article 32 hearing on base last month.

In the military hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys present evidence to determine if and how a service member will be court martialed under the military justice system.

He also faces assault charges and can be punished with the death penalty or life in prison, according to the Times. 

Evans had been drinking that night, witnesses said. He had punched a non-commissioned officer and, while the sergeant left to get help, the Marine jumped or fell from a third-story ledge, various witnesses told the military court.

Marines found Arias’ body when one ran to the room to fetch Evans’ military identification card.

The commander of Marine Aircraft Group 39 — who was responsible for the two Marines and the barracks — of the dorms.

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