Motive for Marine killing in N.C. unknown

JACKSONVILLE, N.C., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A Marine Corps spokesman said it remains unclear why a 21-year-old private allegedly killed a fellow Marine at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Marine spokesman Capt. Timothy Patrick said last week's killing of Cpl. Joshua E. Hartzell, 22, was "unacceptable" and was under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Monday.

"We don't know motivation. We don't know if they had a relationship. We don't know if it was random," Patrick said. "It's a dangerous job and we come into it willingly. But to have to go like this isn't expected and it's unacceptable."

Patrick said charges against Pvt. Jonathan Law, who is receiving treatment for self-inflicted wounds, are pending.

Hartzell's body was found in woods on the military base last Friday. Patrick said Hartzell was fatally stabbed by an unknown weapon, the Navy Times reported.

Both men were members of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group and joined the armed forces branch in 2006, the Enquirer said.