Sailor on Camp Pendleton was shot; fire set as cover-up; Pentagon being asked to investigate as gay hate crime

Thursday, July 2^nd, 2009.
Issue 27, Volume 13.

Story Last Updated : Jul 3rd.

CAMP PENDLETON- A Camp Pendleton-based sailor found dead in a guard shack at the the military base was shot multiple times, and someone apparently tried to cover up the slaying by setting a fire, authorities said.

A suspect in the killing of 29-year-old seaman August Provost of Houston, Texas, is in military custody. The detainee, whose name was being withheld, was linked to the crime through physical evidence and statements he made, said Capt. Matt Brown, director of public affairs for Navy Region Southwest.

Despite concerns aired by gay rights activists, however, investigators have found no evidence that Provost was murdered because of his sexual orientation, Brown said. The captain declined to disclose any other suspected motive for the slaying during a late-afternoon briefing yesterday.

According to media accounts, Provost was gay. Those assertions are supported by statements the sailor himself made on his MySpace page.

A fellow sailor arriving to relieve Provost on sentry detail found him dead at the entrance to an assault-boat compound on the western side of Camp Pendleton about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Provost had been on duty at the guard station for four hours, Brown said.

Two "persons of interest" were taken into custody and held for questioning. One has since been released, Brown said.

Despite the fact that the victim was shot, military officials have held off on specifying a cause of death, pending completion of further postmortem tests.

Ben Gomez, head of the San Diego chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, a national advocacy group for gay and lesbian military personnel, said Wednesday that he and other local activists suspected Provost's death was a hate crime. Gomez urged the military to conduct a thorough and open probe into that possibility.

Likewise, Reps. Susan Davis and Bob Filner of San Diego have called on the Pentagon to expeditiously investigate the prospect that Provost may have been killed because of his sexual orientation.

Gomez, citing unnamed sources with access to a report on the seaman's death, said there was evidence that Provost was slain during or after an argument with another sailor about the victim's homosexuality.

The Navy spokesman, however, told reporters Provost appeared to have been Advertisement
a "random" victim.

Brown would not confirm or deny reports that the victim's body had been burned, saying that determination also was on hold until all autopsy findings are complete.

No one heard gunfire in the area of the guard shack during the hours prior to the discovery of Provost's body, the captain said.

Per regulation, the seaman would have had a sidearm while serving sentry duty that night, Brown said.

The spokesman declined to say if Provost's gun was found with his body.

Provost, who enlisted in the Navy in March 2008, was a member of Assault Craft Unit 5, whose personnel are assigned to duties involving hovercraft.

He was due to deploy overseas soon, according to Brown, who described the victim as "a rising star in the Navy."

(previous story)

CAMP PENDLETON- Military authorities are investigating the death of a Camp Pendleton-based sailor found in a guard shack, and local gay activists said it may have been a hate-crime slaying at the hands of a fellow serviceman.

August Provost of Houston, Texas, was found dead on the western side of the Marine Corps base about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday (June 30), said Doug Sayers, a spokesman for Navy Region Southwest.

Investigators consider the death of the 29-year-old boatswain's mate a possible homicide, though a final determination is on hold pending autopsy results, Sayers said.

He confirmed that a "person of interest" in the case has been arrested and is being held in a Camp Pendleton brig. The potential suspect's name was not released.

Ben Gomez, head of the San Diego chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, a national advocacy group for gay and lesbian military personnel, said he and other local activists believe Provost's death was a hate crime.

Citing unnamed sources with access to a report on the seaman's death, Gomez said Provost was killed during an argument with another sailor over the victim's sexual orientation.

On his MySpace page, Provost made references to same-sex dating and identified another Houston man as "the love of my life."

Provost, who enlisted in the Navy in March 2008, was a member of Assault Craft Unit 5, whose personnel are assigned to duties involving hovercraft.

40 comments for "Sailor on Camp Pendleton was shot; fire set as cover-up; Pentagon being asked to investigate as gay hate crime"

10:33 am Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

1. Ray says :

I hate crime. I think everyone here hates crime, that's a given but the crime here is "murder" nothing more. Can't legislate like.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

11:03 am Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

2. Ray says :

If you gave everyone in this country "equal rights" there would be no rights at all. The problem here is, where do my rights end and others begin. What one might think is vulgar and obscene may be quite normal to another. Now if I was in a public restroom doing my business at a urinal and the guy in the next stall looked down and smiled, let's just say he violated my right not to be offended in a manner that is offensive to my beliefs. There are thousands of homosexuals serving in the military today, I use that word "homosexual" because I don't believe that a decent word like "gay" should have been hijacked for what I think is a twisted cause, but most keep their actions and beliefs to themselves and go on with promising military careers. What the homosexual rights movement is trying to do is to ram their agenda and beliefs down everyones throat to make a twisted point. Now I have some homosexual friends, they know my opinions and beliefs but they don't "flame" their lifestyle, they respect me as respect them, the way it should be. Now if this sailor wanted to talk about his lifestyle in front of someone, maybe to impress or to "test the waters" to see if the other shared the same feelings, you don't walk into a red neck bar and try to pick up a cowboy without something happening. Now I don't excuse the murder of anyone, but this sailor knew to keep his mouth shut and failed to do so. There were two outcomes, he might have had a date that evening or he might have been beaten or killled, he made the wrong choice.

11:04 am Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

3. Reality Monger says :

This is so sad to read. My heart goes out to this young mans family and friends. We have come so far in the acceptance of others and to see a senseless crime like this is upsetting. Had this sailor been allowed to live his life in the military as an openly gay man perhaps this may not have happened to him. The "Don't ask, don't tell" rule forces gay men and women to live a lie and hide in the shadows. Sometimes when they are "outted", others around them feel betrayed and worse. The only good that could come out of Mr. Provost's death would be for a stronger awareness of the consequences of "DADT".

1:11 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

4. Ray says :

"Don't ask, Don't tell" is a policy "fairly crafted" to protect the readiness of our military. Even the SCOTUS addressed the issue last month siding with the military. Take for example the carrier CVN Abraham Lincoln, on it's maiden voyage, one third according to estimates of the female personnel on board became pregnant while serving on board, bubbing the carrier "the love boat". I still am a strong believer of separate services for male and female personnel like they had back in World War Two. Another great institution being attacked for over a decade are the Boy Scouts. I sure wouldn't want my son or daughter attending the "queer scouts". Why do others have the right to side step the way one raises their children because of an agenda. Schools are not teaching that "homosexuality" is a normal and accepted practice in society, I think not. Ever hear of an electrician taping together two male plugs, it's male plug, female recepticle, ever wonder why?

1:41 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

5. sigh says :

I don't think anyone wonders why, Ray, because most sane people don't think that a plug is a sentient being or that an electrical socket is more complex than human psychology.

I wonder what it's suppose to mean that the taser you proudly carry around with you probably uses 2 or more rods to arc electricity. Seems clearly a device of the homosexual agenda.

I love how the only 2 acceptable outcomes in your mind is hide or die. Hate makes life so simple and likewise ideal for the simple minded.

1:41 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

6. Ray says :

By the way...... The FBVN had better coverage on this story than the NCT. That is why I don't read "the bird cage times". The FBVN has grown into a really good publication over the years, ay attaboy to the FBVN.

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3:30 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

7. Ray says :

sigh: I'm just going around town "stun gunning" the "queer folk". Are their any in Fallbrook? That's what Fallbrook needs, a good homosexual community like "Hillcrest" or "man's country" in Chicago. I would think as many of my "homosexual" friends tell me, "Fallbrook has no draw" for homosexuals. Never asked why, I can assume though.

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3:32 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

8. Ray says :

sigh: The only reason why I carry a STUN GUN and PEPPER SPRAY is because I don't believe in physical harm, I would rather disable a threat rather than driving his jaw into his brain as the military taught me. I have DEFINED limits in which I live by, do you?

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3:32 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

9. Ray says :

sigh: It's a lifestyle, nothing more. I hear that doctors can cure this problem. You still fail to answer my question, where do their rights begin and mine end? I love telling stories as most have read. I had a gathering when I owned my company. I invited everyone to the gathering. When a "homosexual" couple arrived who I didn't know whas "homosexual" started showing sings of affection with everyone's children present, what was I suppose to do? I asked them to leave or cease, they chose to leave. Remember not everyone is open to pervision as you seem to be. I believe in "live and let live."

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3:58 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

10. Ray says :

I forgot one...... (5) abuse of the handicapped. Sorry homosexuals don't fall under my life criteria.

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3:59 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

11. Ray says :

The FOUR things that I would be provoked into a physical confrontation. (1) Abuse of children. (2) Abuse of the elderly. (3) Abuse of animals. (4) Abuse of women. Everything else is open to negotiation. I am NOT a brawler, In actuality, I avoid fights. If someone calls my mother a "hoe", I walk away because I know she's not but I do believe in "self defense".

9:16 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

12. Reality Monger says :

To Ray: It is just sad that you take any and all available opportunities to hop up on your soapbox and spew hate. This is a tragic story about a young man serving his country that was brutally murdered. If your so afraid of homosexuals, and apparently Mexicans as well, why don't you just go live in the middle of nowhere where no one can bother you!

9:17 pm Thu, Jul 2^nd, 2009

13. Wut? says :

@Ray, I don't see an issue with you asking them to stop being affectionate in public, but only if the same rule applied to everyone. If that wasn't the case, then you're not particularly 'live and let live'; Most experts would state that homosexuality is not a 'learned lifestyle' and that if you're not interested, you're not interested... as such, wouldn't the hetero couples be more of a threat to the (presumably) hetero kiddies? I'm not stating you asked only the homosexuals to stop, but you didn't state whether you asked the straights to stop too.

8:32 am Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

14. Ray says :

Reality Monger: Sorry but I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle. Afraid of nobody, my right to dislike anyone I choose. Like I said, where do my rights end and others begin.

Wut? Actually I asked the couple, nobody else, why? because all the kiddies see mommies and daddies kissing all the time, not two dudes. I had a responsibility to the rest of the party goers children.

10:01 am Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

15. another white male says :

ray- gays are prized posessions of the media. granted this was only a male gay, but he was a minority. another prize of the media. if it was a female minority gay this would have been a bigger story than Micheal Jackson's death malfunction. I can not beleive that the only taboo left is being another straight white male with a job.

2:09 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

16. Ray says :

I actually designed a plug and socket that has no male or female protocol, didn't sell. Billy May's didn't like what I named it.

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2:09 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

17. Ray says :

Reality Monger: I know it's tragic, like "duh" and I don't condone the murder of anyone but lesson #1 "Keep your big fat mouth shut" especially when in the military.

2:09 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

18. mom of lots says :

Ray- thank you for being one of the few that not only understand and know how to protect children, but actually do it.

2:09 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

19. Ray says :

another white male: I recently filled out a food stamp application. Besides not having anyone that could speak english working there and that everyone waiting were Hispanic, numerous ninos, and could not speak English, no suprise really, the application bothered me. The application asks your origin, it lists everything out in hyphenated PC language except for "white". I checked other and wrote in "American".

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2:10 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

20. Ray says :

another white male: You got that right. Now the "AA'S want reparations or as I call it "rape-a-nations". It only said "Four Acres and a Mule" not a "Condo and a Cadillac, I'll give them the acres and the mule thank you, I hear Trinity site in New Mexico is still availible. Seems "caucasians" in America especially if they are straight, believe in the rule of law, have traditional values, buzz word for conservative values, go to church every sunday and are hard working are the ones discriminated against.

3:16 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

21. Fallbrook Res says :

#19 " I recently filled out a food stamp application."
YA when your competition is a illegal alien, you have trouble.
I get it now, why you hate so much.

Best to the family in a horriable situation.

5:09 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

22. Ray says :

mom of lots: Thanks, and have a happy "Quatro de Julyo".

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5:10 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

23. Ray says :

I don't hate, I'm just realistic. I don't believe that someone should profit from a crime, no matter what reason. I believe "illegal is illegal even if it's me. I pleaded to my crime and MUST live with my decision for the next THREE years even though I was wrongfully charged. Why can't people realize that "illegal immigration" is a crime which costs everyone boo koo bucks, the money used to feed your families. I look at things realistically, I don't "coddle" peoples feelings, I speak the way things are. If people can't handle it, may I suggest Dorothy has a place reserved in "OZ" for you. Why do you think this state is in such financial perril? Listen to NBC or the rest of the media, it's the governor when in fact it's the "anchors" what suck the life's blood out of this state. Think about it, you pay taxes, others don"t. You pay health insurance, others don't. You pay property taxes, others don't. You try to save money, others send BILLIONS to Mexico.

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5:11 pm Fri, Jul 3^rd, 2009

24. Ray says :

Once again...... I do not accept the HOMOSEXUAL lifestyle just as I don't accept illegal immigrants as a race.

1:29 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

25. mom of lots says :

Ray- that would actually be "Quatro de Julio"

1:31 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

26. Freddie says :

I don't have a problem with gay men or what gay men choose to do within the confines and privacy of their homes. However, I do in fact have a problem with flamboyantly gay men. Being openly gay is nothing more than an imposition on the rights of others. I don't openly announce that I'm heterosexual simply because it's my business, and I certainly don't care to know your business, especially if you're gay. There are countless Americans who find homesxuality immoral and we, as a society, simply aren't ready to accept or tolerate it. I'm sick and tired of activists advocating for the rights of homosexuals. It's just absolute nonsense. Regardless, my condolences to the victims family.

8:28 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

27. Just Me says :

I am a homophobic, however, I live and let live !

10:44 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

28. William R says :

Well nice to know that racism, ignorance and outright stupidity is alive and well in Fallbrook.

11:32 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

29. Ray says :

mom of lots: The word "Refuse" is in my vocabulary. As illegal aliens "refuse to learn english and assimilate into American society, I "refuse" to learn spanish.

11:32 am Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

30. Reality Monger says :

Leave it to Ray and mom of lots to turn this discussion towards illegal immigration and the "demoralizing" of your nations youth. Can we stick to the facts of THIS story people. A young man is dead!

7:18 pm Sat, Jul 4^th, 2009

31. Ray says :

Reality Monger: HEY... I didn't bring it up in the first place. I was ready to discuss this mental illness called homosexuality but the matter was "at issue".

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8:59 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

32. Ray says :

William R: Some people just think homosexuality is perversion, nothing more. Not not make them ignorant, maybe just religious. As for stupidity, that title belongs to the sailor in question for not keeping his big mouth shut. Once again... where do my rights end and other begin? Nobody has answered that question. As for me, I personally dicard the homosexual lifestyle as nothing more than a disease that can be cured. Remember you can't legislate one's feelings or beliefs, likes or dislikes. You can call them names like stupid, ignorant but seems the only one that meets that criteria is the one calling the names.

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8:59 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

33. Ray says :

William R: Homosexuality is not a race, could be sexist depending on your point of view.

2:14 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

34. Reality Checker says :

Ray, you never had many rights as you were obviously born a white male. You have only the right to pay higher taxes so illegals can benefit from state and federal welfare programs and then send it back to prop up Mexico and other south American countries. Oh, you also have the right to be called "racist" when you point this shell game out to others.

3:56 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

35. Ray says :

Because I was born a "white male". I am responsible for slavery, the holocaust, discriminated against for promotions because I'm smart, responsible for the "great American unwashed", called a racist, being charged with "hate crimes" when I defend myself. Maybe I should get a good tan and start speaking spanish, the only way I will receive "my rights".

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6:02 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

36. Ray says :

William R : In my 48 years of life have I run into a restroom that said "other". Maybe you will enlighten me?

7:03 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

37. Disbelief says :

@Ray. you deflinatly have to much time on your hands. Unfortunatly if you are 48 yrs old and still talk like this then you have learned NOTHING in your time on this earth. Its a shame about the young man. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I do hope the person or persons who did this are caught and made to suffer a great deal. Let this young mans mother dish out the sentence.!! now that would be justice.

8:47 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

38. Ray says :

Disbelief: Just because I don't believe in Homosexuality means I learned nothing. It's my right, that I have learned.

3:25 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

39. Jeff says :

Sorry the young man died. It should have kept his mouth shut. I hear some of the white guys whine about discrimination but it works in their favor as well. As a scientist and military I have had jobs that were previously only to incompotent white males. I have alos not been hired and a less compotent white guy hired instead. I didn't whine I just got another job. I always tell minorities not to whine and thank God they are American. I say the same to you.

There is a force out to destroy this country and it must be fought. I don't ask people to apologize for the past our western European culture. Political correctness is a sickness and wrong is wrong no matter whose feeling's get hurt.

10:22 am Sat, Jul 11^th, 2009

40. BJ's Family says :

He is my family and he was a great person and some one u can count on for whatever...this was some very heart breaking news to here..not that he died in the service but was killed by someone that should have been on his side!