A soldier who returned from Iraq earlier this year “without a scratch” was found dead inside his car while at his destination.
Specialist Jacob Ashton, 21, was found dead earlier this month at the Fort Drum barracks in upstate New York, and his devastated family and friends have paid tribute to him.
According to his family, investigators told them the cause of death was blunt force trauma.
His roommate, Specialist Riley Birbilas, has since been charged with Ashton’s death. The two had been in the same company and were deployed together to Iraq.
Fort Drum said Birbilas faces charges of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with her death.
Specialist Jacob Ashton, seen here in uniform, was found dead earlier this month at the Fort Drum barracks in upstate New York.
Ashton is photographed showing off his military-grade physique in May, just weeks before his death.
Talking with WMNYTVAshton’s sister, Alaina Ustupski, told the outlet that her brother had wanted to join the military from a young age.
She said: “Jacob always wanted to help people. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body.”
“He went to Iraq and didn’t have a scratch on him, and then he came home and thought he was safe, and apparently he wasn’t.”
Describing how the family found out, she said: “We were in shock. It was a nightmare. When they told me, I felt like I was dying.”
Ashton had graduated from Perry High School in Ohio, and a former school counselor told the outlet that he had played sports and volunteered.
Lisa Gigante said: ‘He dedicated himself to performing minimal hours of service within the community and helping young children with the Perry Recreation Program.
Specialist Riley Birbilas, seen here, has since been charged with Ashton’s death; the two had been in the same company and were deployed together to Iraq.
Ashton enlisted in 2021 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Moore, Georgia. He deployed with the 2nd BCT to Iraq in 2023.
“It also had a huge impact on the young children in the community, in a very positive way.”
Gigante added that she was shocked and saddened by the news, describing him as one of the most polite students she had ever met.
She added: “It’s really confusing and hard to understand. I’m so sad for his family.”
Birbilas will face a military tribunal, which is like a criminal trial, and if convicted he could face life in prison or the death penalty, which is what his family hopes.
Ashton’s sister, Alaina Ustupski, pictured here, said her brother had wanted to join the military from a young age.
Jacob Ashton (pictured, front right, kneeling) is seen with his colleagues.
Ustupski added: “The trial could last up to a year, so we’re trying to take it day by day.
“We believe that this person should not even be in the world. He does not deserve it.”
Ashton was from the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
He enlisted in 2021 and attended basic combat training at Fort Moore, Georgia. He deployed with the 2nd BCT to Iraq in 2023.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with C Device, the National Defense Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Col. Anthony Gore, commander of the 2nd BCT, said, ‘Our entire command family is deeply saddened by the loss of Jacob.
‘While words do little to ease the pain of Jacob’s departure, we are a family and we will embrace his family and support each other.
‘Let us live in a manner worthy of honoring Jacob’s life and service. As we mourn, I ask each of us to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.’