Marine found dead in Cary motel room

Marine found dead in Cary motel room
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March 16, 2009 - 12:07 PM

A Camp Lejeune Marine found dead in a Cary hotel room Sunday was due to be discharged from the Corps for marijuana use.

Pvt. William N. Tripp, 20, originally from Keller, Texas, was found dead in a room at Days Inn at 1716 Walnut Street after someone called police and said he was "unresponsive," said Cary Police Capt. Michael Williams.

Tripp had pleaded guilty Jan. 9 to two counts of wrongful use of marijuana and sentenced at a special court martial to a bad conduct discharge, 60 days of confinement, and forfeiture of pay and allowances for four months, said 2nd Marine Division spokesman 1st Lt. Philip Klay.

Tripp joined the Marine Corps in October 2007 and has not deployed. His awards included Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Cary police said they are still investigating Tripp's death and have not ruled out foul play. More information would be available after an autopsy, Williams said.

Ellie