On April 12, 2018, Pvt Jacob S Malcolm, an 18-year-old Caucasian male, died from a gunshot wound to the head inside a housing unit at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Malcolm, an infantry rifleman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, was pronounced dead at 7:04 p.m. by the Vernon Parish Coroner's Office.
Initial reports from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command indicated that Malcolm was with other soldiers and handling firearms when the incident occurred. For reasons that have not been publicly detailed, another soldier pointed a weapon at Malcolm and fired, causing his death. Army officials confirmed that the gunshot wound was not self-inflicted.
The investigation into Malcolm's death led to Johnathon Najera being identified as the soldier responsible. Najera pleaded guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Following his guilty plea, Najera was sentenced to serve five years in a military correctional facility. In addition to his confinement, Najera also received a dishonorable discharge from the military upon his release.
Malcolm's mother, Bobbi Jo Malcolm, has publicly expressed her grief and frustration with the outcome of the case and the military's handling of the investigation. She voiced her opinion that the five-year sentence for her son's death was not sufficient justice. Furthermore, she criticized the Army for what she perceived as a lack of communication and respect during the investigative and legal processes.
