Army says death of soldier from gunshot at Fort Polk was not a suicide

An investigation is underway at Louisiana’s Fort Polk after a U.S. Army private was fatally shot on Thursday- and authorities are suspecting foul play.

The 18-year-old West Virginian native, Jacob S. Malcolm, was identified as the victim on Monday, having been killed by a gunshot wound that was not self-inflicted.

Malcom was relatively new to the Army, joining in February of last year. At the time of his death, he was an infantry rifleman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Team, 10th Mountain Division, colloquially known by many as “10th Swamp” due to their traditionally cold weather-themed unit’s bizarre assignment to the muggy Louisiana installation.

Col. Jose Rivera, the Rear Provisional Commander for the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division said the team’s thoughts and prayers are with Malcolm’s surviving family members.

“It is never easy losing a soldier and he will be missed,” Rivera said.

According to American Press, the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death are being investigated by the US Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

Graduating from Musselman High School in 2016, Malcolm was an avid sportsman who enjoyed duck hunting and spending time with his friends.

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