Mark N. Boterf, 21, of Crowley, Texas, died on April 8, 2014, while on sentry duty at Camp Lejeune’s Main Gate in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was assigned to 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and received a single gunshot wound to the chest; he was pronounced dead at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.

The shooting occurred when Lance Cpl. Brandon Little, another Marine on duty and directing traffic, walked back to the guard shack without verifying whether his M4 rifle was on safe or semi mode. As he unslung the weapon it discharged and the bullet struck Boterf. Little immediately attempted to apply pressure to the wound; Boterf was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later. NCIS investigated and Marine officials described the incident as a negligent discharge. Boterf had volunteered for gate sentry duty so another Marine could attend a wedding.

Little was charged with involuntary manslaughter due to culpable negligence, negligent homicide, and dereliction of duty. At his court-martial he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to two years in military prison, a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and reduction to E-1; the original three-year sentence had 12 months suspended under a pretrial agreement. Family and accountability are noted in the aftermath.

If anyone knew Mark or was at Camp Lejeune that day, what details might help explain how this negligent discharge occurred?