A grieving Ohio family is seeking answers after 21-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Jacob Ashton was found dead at Fort Drum, New York, on August 5.

Ashton, who had always dreamed of serving in the military, was stationed at the base following a deployment to Iraq.

His family describes him as a kind and helpful person who was looking forward to returning home to become a police officer or firefighter.

The tragedy deepened when fellow soldier, Specialist Riley Birbilas, was arrested and charged with premeditated murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Ashton’s death.

Ashton was found in his car, having suffered blunt force trauma. The family, devastated by the loss, is waiting for his body to be returned to Ohio before planning funeral services, WAFB 9 has reported.

The case is ongoing, with a court-martial for Birbilas expected, and Ashton’s family is calling for justice.

Written by B.C. Begley