A Northern California soldier is one of two shot dead in Iraq and one of his fellow soldiers is being accused of killing them, the military said.
Specialist John Cabrillo, 20, of Stockton, and Private First Class Gebrah Noonan, 26, of Conn. , both died of gunshot wounds in Fallujah, Iraq. Army Specialist Netfaly Platero was being held as the military conducts an investigation, the U.S. military said Tuesday.
The Department of Defense says the two died Friday from injuries they received Thursday during a "non-combat incident" in Fallujah. A third soldier was also shot but is expected to survive.
The Washington Post is reporting the four soldiers got into an argument on a U.S. base on Thursday. Platero pulled out his gun and "started shooting," according to U.S. military spokesman Barry Johnson.
Cabrillo's family lives in Sacramento.The military informed them of his death but did not say what the circumstances were and did not release further details. His family heard about the speculation a fellow soldier shot Cabrillo dead days after they were told he was killed.
"It was very devastating to find out he was shot by a fellow soldier. (It) is unbelievable." His mother, Desiree, told KCRA. "The military should be embarrassed."
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement upon hearing of Cabrillo's death:
Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Specialist John Carrillo Jr. He was a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, and we join all Californians in remembering his courage and commitment. Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff on Tuesday to honor Cabrillo.
Both Cabrillo and Noonan were assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Ga. Base.
