20-Year-Old Marine Dies in Barracks Shooting in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tragedy struck at Marine Barracks Washington early Tuesday morning as 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Riley Kuznia, from Karlstad, Minnesota, died from a single gunshot wound at approximately 5:05 a.m. Authorities say the incident is under investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Kuznia’s death does not appear to involve criminal activity. “MPD is conducting a death investigation, not a homicide investigation,” said police spokeswoman Alaina Gertz. “At this time, MPD has not found evidence of criminal intent.”
Kuznia’s mother, Markelle Kuznia, 47, learned of her son’s death when Marines visited her home. She described her son as a young man who had long dreamed of serving in the military. “He wanted the brotherhood, he wanted to be pushed, to see how far he could go,” she said, recalling his desire to serve his country and eventually join Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
A high school hockey player with a talent for hands-on work, Kuznia also spent his teenage years fixing trucks and helping on nearby farms. His mother said he had dreams beyond the military, including starting his own construction company.
Markelle Kuznia shared a heartfelt reflection on her son’s ambition: “We always knew it was possible that he could be killed while serving. But you can’t stop your kids from dreaming and chasing what they believe in. You have to let them go and let them become who they are.”
The Marine Corps and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kuznia’s death.