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 inside his car while on post. 

Specialist Jacob Ashton, 21, was found dead earlier this month in Fort Drum barracks in upstate New York - and his devastated family and friends have paid tribute to him. 

According to his family, investigators told them that his cause of death was ruled as being blunt force trauma.  

His roommate Specialist Riley Birbilas has since been charged with Ashton's death, the two had been in the same company and deployed to Iraq together. 

Fort Drum said that Birbilas is facing charges of premeditated murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the death. 

Specialist Jacob Ashton, seen here in uniform, was found dead earlier this month in Fort Drum barracks in upstate New York

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

Speaking with WMNYTV, Ashton's sister Alaina Ustupski told the outlet that her brother had wanted to join the military from a very 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, and then comes home, thinks he is safe, and apparently isn’t.'

When 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 dying.'

Ashton had graduated from Perry High School in Ohio, with a former counselor at the school telling the outlet that he had played sports and volunteered. 

Lisa Gigante said: 'He was dedicated to doing a minimum hours of service within the community and helping out with little kids with the Perry Recreation Program. 

Specialist Riley Birbilas, seen here, has since been charged with Ashton's death, the two had been 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 had a big impact on little kids in the community, too, in a really positive way.'

Gigante added that she was shocked and saddened to her the news, describing him as one of the most polite students she had ever encountered.

She added: '[It's]Just really confusing and difficult to understand. Just heartbroken for his family.'

Birbilas will face a court martial, which is like a criminal trial, and if he is found guilty he could face life in prison or the death penalty which the family are hoping for.

Ashton's sister Alaina Ustupski, seen here, said that her brother had wanted to join the military from a very young age

Jacob Ashton (pictured front right, kneeling) is seen with his colleagues 

Ustupski added: 'The trial might take up to a year so we’re just trying to take it day by day. 

'We feel like this person shouldn’t even be out in the world. He doesn’t deserve it.'

Ashton was from the Headquarters 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 Army Commendation Medal with C Device, the National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Col. Anthony Gore, 2nd BCT Commander, said: 'Our entire Commando family feels profound sorrow for the loss of Jacob. 

'While words do little to ease the pain of Jacob’s passing, we are a family, and we will wrap our arms around his family as well as support each other. 

'Let us live in a manner worthy of honoring Jacob’s life and service. As we mourn, I ask each of us to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.'