Fort Polk soldier fatally shot

Fort Polk Sign Special to American Press

Fort Polk officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a soldier who was fatally shot on Thursday.

According to spokesperson Kim Reischling, the soldier suffered a fatal gunshot wound at a residence at the Vernon Parish installation and was pronounced dead by the Vernon Parish deputy coroner at 7:04 p.m.

She said the gunshot wound was not self-inflicted.

The soldier was identified on Monday as 18 year-old Pvt. Jacob S. Malcolm of Hedgesville, W. Va. Malcolm enlisted with the Army in February of 2017 and at the time of his death was stationed at Fort Polk serving as an infantry rifleman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Team, 10th Mountain Division.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

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.

Reischling said the facts and circumstances surrounding Malcom’s death are being investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. As of Monday evening, requests for statements from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division public affairs office had not been returned.

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