A Marine is dead after being shot in Wilmington, North Carolina, following his squadron’s birthday ball, Corps officials said.
Cpl. Edwin Estrada was killed around 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Estrada was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 as a mechanic for CH-53E Super Stallions.
A wing spokesman confirmed that Estrada was shot off base following a birthday ball celebration. Wilmington police did not immediately respond to requests for more information on Tuesday.
The Marine Corps and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are conducting an investigation into the incident, the wing said in a news release.
Originally from Los Angeles, Estrada joined the Marine Corps in July 2014 and was promoted to corporal in July, the news release says.
His military awards include the Good Conduct Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and National Defense Service Medal.
