San Diego County Sheriff’s investigators and Navy Criminal Investigative Services are looking for suspects in the death of an active-duty Marine from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Sgt. Christopher Truax, 21, was killed just after midnight on Friday, Sept. 7, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Lemon Grove sheriff’s deputies reportedly spotted Truax and a woman in a car parked in the middle of the street in the 7400 block of Pacific Avenue in Lemon Grove, according to a statement by Lt. Rich Williams from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
When deputies arrived, they found Truax bleeding from a gunshot wound. Paramedics worked to save him, but Truax died at the scene, according to the sheriff’s statement.
On Monday, following an autopsy, the San Diego County coroner ruled Truax’s death a homicide.
Truax, of Horseheads, N.Y., was part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Miramar. He joined the Marine Corps in July 2104 and worked in food services.
“We join Sergeant Christopher Truax’s family in mourning the loss of a loved one,” Lt. Col. James Bauch, commanding officer MWSS 373, said in a statement. “He was a valued Brother-in-Arms to all who served with him and will be missed. We wish them comfort as they navigate the difficult days ahead.”
Truax had previously deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
This is at least the second homicide of a Marine in the San Diego area over the last nine months.
In late December, Cpl. Ryan Harris, 21 was fatally stabbed in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter as he tried to break up a fight.
Harris, 21, of Elverta, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2015 and served as an automotive mechanic with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton.
The two suspects in Harris’ death — Jose Oscar Esqueda, 30, and Jeff Shai Holliday, 24, both of San Diego — have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with Harris’ death. They are expected to appear in court Tuesday, Sept. 11 to set trial dates, said Chris Lawson, a San Diego deputy district attorney.