NCIS launches investigation into mysterious death of ex-Marine major general

NCIS has opened an investigation into the death of a retired major general whose body was found at a Marine Corps base in California, officials said Tuesday.Maj.

Gen.William Mullen, 59, was discovered dead at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms on Saturday, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.The Naval Criminal Investigative Service on Tuesday said it is investigating Mullen’s death according to protocol, without elaborating on the details of his passing.

“I can confirm that NCIS is conducting a thorough investigation into the death of retired Maj.Gen.

William Mullen, as we do in response to any non-combat, medically unattended fatalities involving Navy and USMC equities, service members, and affiliated civilian personnel,” NCIS public affairs specialist Darwin Lam said in a statement.“Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing,”  he added.

Before his retirement in 2020, Mullen served as the commanding general for training and education command at the base, according to the Marine Corps.Mullen served 34 years in the military in all, with his background including tours of duty in the Middle East and leading a counter-narcotic mission in the Los Padres National Forest of California.

He also served as a Marine aide to then-President Bill Clinton between 1999 and 2001.Maj.

Gen.Thomas Savage, head of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, described Mullen as a staple of the base.

“Major General Mullen’s dedicated service to our nation and the Marine Corps will always be remembered,” Savage told the Los Angeles Times.Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.” ...