“Highly Valued”: A soldier of the army accused of a murderous colleague soldier at California’s home – AOL

A US army soldier has been charged with murder in connection with the murder of another soldier last month at the Fort Irwin National Training Center in Southern California.

The soldier, SPC. 26 -year -old George Cornejo, accused of killing SPC on October 28. Andrew P. Smith, the US Army in front of the USA Today on Monday.

The US Special Councils Service has accused Cornegio of murder on November 20, the army reports.

Cornejo, who is from the fountain, a city in San Bernardino County, was appointed to the 11th Armored Regiment of Golgotha, where he served as the repair of construction equipment, according to the army.

The 20 -year -old Smith was found wounded at his home at the National Center for Training in San Bernardino District by Fort Irwin Military Police.

He was transported to a local hospital where he died, employees said. The army did not specify how Smith died or whether both men knew each other.

His official cause of death remained on Monday on Monday, waiting for official autopsy results.

The training center where Smith lived is in the Mojave Desert in southern California, about 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

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George Cornejo ordered in custody a day after Smith found an early

On October 29, on the day after Smith was found early, Cornejo was removed and ordered in pre -detention.

Officials said Cornejo was transferred to the Naval Consolidated Brig to Miramar, California, where he was expecting a preliminary hearing.

As of Monday, this date of the court was not announced and it was not known immediately whether Cornejo received a lawyer.

SPC victim. Andrew P. Smith works as a preparatory of utility equipment

Smith joined the army in August 2021 and is a native of Ruj, New York. He was appointed to Fort Irwin in March 2022, where he served as a preparatory of utility equipment in the 11th Armored Regiment of Golgotha.

“Loved by many and highly appreciated”

Fort Irwin publishes the news of his death on social media on October 31. At that time, employees announced that his death was under investigation.

“SPC. Smith was loved by many and highly valued among the team,” says Kevin Black, commander of the 11th armored cavalry regiment. “While we are grieving for the loss of our teammate, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues . ”

The case remained open and active on Monday with the army criminal investigation department.

Officials did not provide more details.

A “cruel loyal” soldier leaves behind a wife, a non -mere son

According to his obituary, Smith was cruelly loyal and always was there to give ear and help to help everyone in time of need.

A passionate fan of sports, he loved Giants and Yankees and played basketball with friends, his family writes in an obituary.

“He was proud to be a husband and even more enchanted to become a father,” this continues. “He was eagerly awaiting his son Luke’s arrival in January.”

Smith leaves behind his wife Erica and their unborn son, his mother Christine Santilane, his father William Smith and his sister Lauren Smith.

Natalie Neisa Alund is a USA Today Senior Reporter. Reach it at [email protected] and follow it at X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared in USA Today: Army: George Cornejo accused of murder in the murder of Andrew Smith