On June 13, a 14-year-old girl was declared missing after her parents notified authorities she left her grandmother’s house, four days prior.  

The girl was later found at Camp Pendleton in California, just two weeks after she had gone missing on June 28. Days later, a US Marine was being led out of the barracks with handcuffs. 

According to Captain Chuck Palmer, a Marine from Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was detained by Naval Criminal Investigative Services. This happened on June 28, 2023 and this information was shared on social media on July 2, 2023.

The name of the detained Marine has not been disclosed to any outlet so far. Palmer, however, confirmed that law enforcement is questioning the detained Marine about his involvement. 

Casaundra Perez, the girl’s aunt, says the 14-year-old female suffered from psychological problems and had a history of running away from home, but always returned. 

On July 6, Perez took to TikTok, claiming her niece had not taken her own life. The aunt cautioned if she were to disappear or be harmed, the responsible individuals might be found at Camp Pendleton. 

Perez expressed anxiety about the potential repercussions of speaking out about her niece’s alleged experience. 

Perez claimed that security personnel allowed a man to bring a minor onto the base and engage in sexual activity with her, emphasizing she could not have given consent, due to being underage.

Furthermore, Perez alleged that someone within the military informed her family the Marines were trying to suppress the story from becoming public.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service said the investigation is ongoing. Captain Palmer said the Marine being held has not yet been charged under any criminal statute.