A Marine who was found dead in his Fallbrook home early on Monday is identified by military officials.
Sgt. Braulio V. Martinez, 28, was found dead in his rented Fallbrook in the 600 block of Elbrook Drive. He was found in the garage with a self-inflicted injury,and his 23-year-old wife was in a bedroom with severe head trauma, according to the sheriff's department. Deputies suspect that the couple may have gotten into an argument that turned violent, and the Marine took his life, thinking he had killed his wife.
Martinez was a native of Hidalgo, Texas, who was serving as a safety noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
He was a Marine for nearly six years and had deployed twice to Iraq during his service. Martinez was the recipient of many awards, including the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
The incident is still under investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
