Soldier found murdered in his car near army barracks after returning from Iraq ‘without a scratch’

A soldier who returned from Iraq earlier this year “without a scratch” has been found dead in his car while at his post.

Specialist Jacob Ashton, 21, was found dead earlier this month in the barracks at Fort Drum in upstate New York. His family and friends have been remembering him and his heartfelt actions.

According to his family, investigators told him he died from blunt force trauma.

His roommate, Specialist Riley Birbilas, has since been charged in Ashton’s death. The two worked together at the same company and were deployed to Iraq together.

According to Fort Drum, Birbilas is charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the suspect’s death.

Ashton is pictured showing off his military-made body in May, just weeks before his death

Speaking with WMNYTVAshton’s sister Alaina Ustupski told the newspaper that her brother wanted to join the military at a young age.

She said, “Jacob just always wanted to help people. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body.

“He went to Iraq and didn’t have a scratch on him. When he comes home, he thinks he’s safe, but apparently he’s not.”

Describing how the family found out, she said: “We were just in shock. It was a nightmare. When they told me, I felt like I was going to die.”

Ashton graduated from Perry High School in Ohio. A former school counselor told the media that he played sports and did volunteer work.

Lisa Gigante said: ‘He was committed to providing a minimum number of hours of community service and helping young children with the Perry Recreation Program.

Specialist Riley Birbilas, seen here, has since been charged in Ashton’s death. The two were in the same company and deployed to Iraq together.

Ashton enlisted in 2021 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Moore, Georgia. He deployed with 2nd BCT to Iraq in 2023

“So he also had a huge positive impact on the little kids in the community.”

Gigante said she was shocked and saddened by the news and described him as one of the most polite students she had ever met.

She added: ‘[It’s]Just very confusing and hard to understand. Just heartbreaking for his family.’

Birbilas will face a court martial, which is similar to a criminal trial. If found guilty, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty, which is what his family is hoping for.

Ashton’s sister Alaina Ustupski, pictured here, said her brother wanted to join the military at a young age

Jacob Ashton (right in photo, kneeling) is seen with his colleagues

Ustupski added: ‘The process can take up to a year, so we try to take it day by day.

“We don’t think this person should be in the world at all. He doesn’t deserve it.”

Ashton was from the head office 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 2nd BCT to Iraq in 2023.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with C symbol, the National Defense Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Colonel Anthony Gore, 2nd BCT commander, said, “Our entire command family is deeply saddened by the loss of Jacob.

‘Words cannot ease the pain of Jacob’s passing, but 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 grieve, I ask each of us to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.”