A sailor charged with the murder of a seaman has committed suicide in the brig at Camp Pendleton, according to the U.S. Navy.
"An ugly story comes to an even uglier end," Navy spokesman Brian O'Rourke told the North County Times.
Petty Officer Jonathan Campos of Lancaster was found unresponsive in his cell about 12:20 p.m. Friday. He was rushed to the base hospital where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Officials say the apparent cause of death was self-inflicted asphyxiation. Campos had last been checked at 11:45 a.m., according to the U.S. Navy.
Campos was charged with murder and other offenses in the June 30 shooting death of August Provost. Provost was shot several times in the sentry station at Camp Pendleton.
Provost was gay and it was initially thought he was a victim of a hate crime. The Navy later said there was no evidence to support that.
O'Rourke told the paper that the announcement of Campos' suicide was delayed until his family could be reached.
"We also wanted to reach out to Seaman Provost's family and tell them," O'Rourke said.
Local
Campos and Provost were both assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5.
