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thedrifter
01-13-09, 07:34 AM
Marine Death Investigation: Father Speaks Out

By Laura Vesco
Reporter
Published: January 12, 2009

A Tennessee family is demanding the Marine Corps release more information about the death of their son. Last week a fellow marine found Corporal Jonathan Burnette in his barracks. There were severe stab wounds all over his body.

NCIS called it self inflicted but as our Laura Vesco reports the Burnette family still isn’t convinced.

Reporter: “Finding out your son has died is traumatic enough, but can you imagine hearing how investigators believe he died on the news? Steve Burnette told me today by phone he and his family are completely baffled why NCIS would first tell the media Corporal Jonathan Burnette’s wounds were self inflicted. That’s just one of several questions the Burnette family wants answered.“

Steve Burnette admits his son Jonathan was somewhat depressed and homesick but he finds it hard to believe he could stab himself so many times all over his body.

Burnette has asked for NCIS to prove foul play was not involved but says NCIS hasn’t shown any evidence other than statements from fellow marines saying Jonathan told them it was self inflicted. Burnette says if they can prove it was self inflicted, the family will accept it. Until then, the family is waiting for a private autopsy to be completed in Nashville.

Reporter: “Burnette asks for people in the community to keep his family in their prayers during this horrific time.”

A spokesperson with NCIS tells us it’s possible someone on base rushed to get out word it was not murder but they can’t say who found out minute by minute. NCIS says it’s always the military’s goal to tell the family first.

Funeral arrangements are being made for this Friday in the Burnette’s hometown of Cookeville, Tennessee at the Eastwood Baptist Church.

Video

http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/marine_death_investigation_father_speaks_out/28649/

Ellie