Robert Schwenk Jr. couldn’t hold back his emotions as he spoke about the life and untimely death of his son, Lance Cpl.
Austin Brian Schwenk.
Austin was not only born but also lost his life at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
A promising young Marine, he idolized his father and aimed to mirror his military accomplishments.
Tragically, on October 18, 2023, that dream ended when he was shot and killed by another Marine, Cpl.
Jesse Thomas Bopp.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
In a plea agreement, Bopp received an eight-year sentence after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the 2nd Marine Division.
Along with his confinement, he faces a dishonorable discharge and a reduction in rank to private.
The leniency of the sentence left Robert disenchanted. “I feel let down,” he shared, echoing sentiments of frustration with the judicial process.
Austin’s mother, Kassandra Christison, was equally dismayed, stating that her son’s brief life made it impossible to justify such a mild punishment for his assailant.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Austin enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2019, aspiring to become an electro-optical ordnance repairer with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
Decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, his future looked bright.
The fateful incident occurred when Bopp entered Austin’s barracks room at Wallace Creek.
According to court documents, a night of drinking culminated in a reckless act by Bopp, who jokingly aimed a firearm at his own head before redirecting it at Austin and pulling the trigger.
After fleeing the scene, Bopp was apprehended soon after and faced serious charges, including murder.
Grief and Loss
Since his son’s death, Robert has been enveloped in grief, grappling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The joy he once found in activities has diminished, his heart heavy with the absence of Austin’s future milestones and achievements.
Kassandra expressed her deep sorrow over the opportunities that have been stripped away from her son.
She described Austin as a kind-hearted individual who genuinely cared for those around him.
As he prepared for a deployment to Japan, Austin’s excitement was palpable; he even started learning the language in anticipation of the new adventure.
Now, all that remains are the cherished memories and a sense of profound loss.
Source: Militarytimes