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Dead Girl, 16, Found in Army Barracks

Fort Lewis investigating after 1 civilian teen found dead, another unconscious

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 17, 2009 7:49 AM CST

(Newser) – A 16-year-old girl was found dead and another girl the same age was found unconscious in an Army barracks at Fort Lewis, Wash., early Sunday, the Tacoma News-Tribune reports. The girls were found by emergency personnel responding to a 911 call. A soldier who allegedly knew at least one of the girls has been questioned but not detained.

The girls, both civilians, were found with no external signs of trauma, said a base official. The surviving girl is in stable condition at a local hospital. An autopsy is being performed on the deceased girl but toxicology results may not be known for weeks. The base is reviewing its access policies and investigating how the girls came to be in the barracks so late at night.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

US Army soldiers carrying unit flags march away following a relinquishment of command ceremony at Fort Lewis, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Soldiers stand guard at the entrance to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash. (Getty Images)

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There were no outward signs of physical trauma. They were two 16-year-old civilians who, as far as we can tell, have no Department of Defense or military affiliation.
- Fort Lewis spokesman Joseph Piek

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

Shannonals

Feb 17, 2009 2:05 AM CST

Regardless, of if there was foul play, the soldiers involved will face NJP charges for having underage women in the barracks

riffran

Feb 17, 2009 12:16 AM CST

IF they find out who did what, and find them guilty, they are in for a world of poo poo......AND if they are in the Military, the military justice system gets them first

Guest

Feb 16, 2009 9:06 PM CST

No, it isn't rape and murder. That is inferred. All they know is that one girl is dead and one is in the hospital. No one said they had been raped OR murdered. Let's get some actual information first, ok?

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News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) (Source Grid »)

Fort Lewis investigating teen's death
Seattle Times

Crime & Courts • US

US military • death • Washington state • military bases • barracks • teenager

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Dead Girl, 16, Found in Army Barracks