Christopher Truax Jr. was a 21-year-old active duty Marine sergeant from Horseheads, New York, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. On the night of September 7, 2018, deputies found him inside a vehicle on Pacific Avenue near West Street in Lemon Grove, California, suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene shortly after midnight; the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound and authorities are treating the case as a homicide.

A woman who had been in the car was unharmed and was not considered a suspect. Investigators reported no bullet holes or shell casings were found in the vehicle. Detectives have not identified any suspects or established a motive. Truax’s wife, Alexia, and their one-year-old son survived him; his commanding officer, Lt. Col. James Bauch, described him as a valued brother-in-arms. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew Truax or witnessed activity on Pacific Avenue near West Street on the night of September 7, 2018, please share what you know.