The ambush in Niger that killed 4 U.S. soldiers, two of which being Green Berets, is still under investigation. But, according to a New York Times report, officials have been investigating the death of another Green Beret in Mali this June, which has been ruled a homicide.
The circumstances of Staff Sgt. Logan J. Melgar’s death has been under wraps for several months due to an investigation by the NCIS, but two Seals in question were quickly placed on leave after the military officials concluded Melgar died by strangulation. Their status shifted from “witnesses” to “persons of interest” with two now formally becoming suspects in the murder.
The New York Times reports Melgar had served through two Afghanistan tours before being deployed to Mali to assist with counter-tourism missions. His body was discovered within embassy housing where he lived with other Special Ops forces, and his death was immediately considered suspicious.
“The soldier’s superiors in Stuttgart, Germany, almost immediately suspected foul play, and dispatched an investigating officer to the scene within 24 hours,” military officials told the New York Times. “Agents from the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command spent months on the case before handing it off last month to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” the NY Times said.
There have been very few details from military officials. However, the NY Times notes that the “uncertainty” surrounding the homicide has led to many speculate. Theories have ranged from something that went “horribly wrong” to Melgar discovering “some illicit activity the SEALs were involved in,” and the suspects wanted to make sure no one ever finds out.