San Diego Police have arrested two men in connection with the stabbing death of Lance Cpl. Ryan Evan Harris on Dec. 29.
Harris, 21, was assigned to the 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, California. He was stabbed in the upper torso during an off-base fight, San Diego Police said.
Jose Oscar Esqueda, 30, and Jeff Shai Holliday, 24, were both arrested on Dec. 30 and booked into the county jail, police said. Esqueda has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon; while Holliday faces charges of murder, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, and a probation violation.
A witness told police that the fight started when Holliday punched another Marine, Christopher De Herrera, said San Diego Police Lt. Todd Griffin. When Harris and one his friends Andrew Haulman went to help De Herrera, they were attacked by Esqueda.
A police officer found Harris lying on the sidewalk, a San Diego Police news release says. Police, bystanders and emergency personnel gave medical assistance to Harris, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Haulman, a civilian, was stabbed at least twice and remains hospitalized with injuries that are not life-threatening, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Harris joined the Marine Corps in July 2015 and attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, according to the 1st Marine Logistics Group. His military occupational specialty was 3521, automotive maintenance technician, and he became a lance corporal in August 2016.
Originally from Sacramento, his military awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
