CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base recently concluded two separate summary courts-martial, which saw Airman 1st Class Sarbjot Badesha and A1C Matthew Rodriguez each plead guilty to making false official statements related to the July 20 death of Airman Brayden Lovan. Lovan died from a gunshot wound caused by A1C Marcus White-Allen’s duty-issued M18 handgun.
During their guilty pleas, both Airmen admitted they saw White-Allen pull his duty weapon from his holster and point it at Lovan’s chest in a joking manner. Each stated they then heard the firearm go off and saw Lovan fallen on the ground.
According to their pleas, in the immediate aftermath of the incident White-Allen allegedly told Badesha, ‘Here’s the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk, and it went off.’
Additionally, White-Allen allegedly told Rodriguez to tell the responding emergency personnel, White-Allen’s ‘holster went off.’
Neither Airman reported that information to investigators during their initial witness interviews on July 20. The false statements from both airmen hindered law enforcement efforts, leading investigators to initially believe Lovan’s death was a result of an accidental discharge from White-Allen’s M18.
Badesha was sentenced to 30 days in confinement, reduction to E-1 and forfeiture of $1,545. Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days confinement, 15 days restriction to base, reduction to E-2 and forfeiture of $500.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations had been investigating White-Allen for his involvement in the July 20 incident. Evidence determined White-Allen had his finger on the trigger as he placed the firearm on Lovan’s chest. Laboratory tests determined there were no defects in White-Allen’s duty-issued weapon. White-Allen was discovered deceased in his dormitory room on Oct. 8, and Air Force legal proceedings were suspended. The investigation into White-Allen’s death remains open.
“We are fully dedicated to supporting the families and individuals affected by these tragic events,” said Col. Terry Holmes, 90th Missile Wing commander. “Our focus is on ensuring that justice is served and that every aspect of this case is thoroughly examined.”
