A Marine stationed at the Barracks in Southeast D.C. died on Saturday from a gunshot wound, according to officials.
Lance Cpl. Cody S. Schoenfelder of Huron, S.D. suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday and died early Saturday morning, according to a statement from Capt. Jack Norton, the public affairs officer for the Marine Barracks Washington D.C. The incident is under investigation and the Barracks is working with the Metropolitan Police Department.
D.C. Police told the Post the shooting appears to be accidental, while an MPD spokesman directed DCist’s questions to the Marine Barracks.
NBC4 is reporting that Schoenfelder, a 19-year-old was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, may have been playing a “trust game,” which involves one Marine pointing a gun at another and asking, “Do you trust me?” At least three people have died playing this game.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal Schoenfelder, as we mourn the loss of one of our Marines,” a statement from the Barracks said.