Suspect in Marine slaying injures himself

CAMP LEJEUNE — A Camp Lejeune Marine accused in the death of a fellow Marine early Friday was hospitalized after injuring himself, federal law enforcement officials said.

Pvt. Jonathan Law is in serious condition at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, said Capt. Timothy Patrick, 2nd Marine Logistics Group spokesman.

The body of a male Marine, who has not been identified by military authorities, was found in the woods in the French Creek area of the base, Patrick said.

Military officials would not say how the Marine died but confirmed firearms were not involved.

Base officials said Law was suspected of homicide, but did not elaborate on criminal charges. Although Law is in the hospital, he is said to be “in the custody of military authorities,” according to a Marine Corps statement.

The time of the incident was not immediately clear, but Naval Criminal Investigative Services began to look into reports the base began receiving at around 1 a.m.

The identity of the dead Marine will not be released until today, base officials said. Standard Marine Corps policy requires 24 hours between next-of-kin notification and releasing a dead Marine's name to the public.

Law, originally from Clark County, Nev., is a supply administration clerk assigned to 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. The 21-year-old joined the Marines in August 2006.

He deployed to Iraq from August 2007 to March 2008. His awards include the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, according to information from base officials.