48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘The Marine’s Wife’: Christopher Lee Strangled Erin Corwin After Finding Out She May Be Pregnant With His Child, Disposed of Body in a Mine Shaft (June 12, 2018)

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Administrator

Tonight’s episode of “48 Hours: NCIS” takes you inside the real-life investigation of a 19-year-old Marine wife who vanished in the desert. “The Marine’s Wife” uncovers the story of Erin Corwin and her disappearance. – CBS News (June 12, 2018)

Marine Corps spouse Erin Corwin, 19, was reported missing on June 29, 2014 by her husband who was stationed at Camp Pendleton near Twentynine Palms in California. After an extensive investigation and search, Erin’s body was found in an abandoned mine shaft on August 16th, 2014. During the investigation, authorities learned that Erin was having an affair with another Marine. This Marine was identified as Christopher Lee, 29, who was arrested in Alaska after Erin’s body was recovered from the mine shaft. Christopher admitted that he killed Erin but said it was because he became angry after she confessed to molesting his daughter.

The prosecution theorized he killed her to silence her and hide the pregnancy from his wife. He tricked her into believing that he was going to propose to her and instead he approached Erin from behind and strangled her for at least five minutes with a garrote made up of two pieces of rebar and a cord. After Lee was satisfied Erin was dead, he dragged her body to a mine shaft in the desert and pushed her in head first. Christopher Lee was found guilty of first-degree murder by civilian authorities and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Christopher Lee, U.S. Marine Corps, and Erin Corwin

Editor’s Note: If you would like to watch the full episode of ‘The Marine’s Wife,’ please visit the CBS All Access website, visit the 48 Hours website, or download the 48 Hours app on your iPad. The most recent episodes are unlocked on the 48 Hours website and app. If you would like to watch past episodes on the 48 Hours app, it cost’s $4.99 a year. There’s programming dating back to 2005 on the 48 Hours app, including some classics, to feed your true crime addiction.

In the News:

Investigators are searching for the beautiful, pregnant wife of a U.S. marine corporal who was last seen over a week ago. 19-year-old Erin Corwin was reportedly last seen leaving her Twentynine Palms, CA home around 7 a.m. on June 28 to go to nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Her husband of a year and a half Jonathan reported her missing the next day. Days after she disappeared, Erin’s mother Lore Heavilin found out that her daughter was about 3 months pregnant. -HLN (July 7, 2014)

An eyewitness spoke out Wednesday, describing the last time he saw the pregnant Marine wife who’s been missing for more than two weeks.Michael Beasley said he saw Erin Corwin get into a red car with another man and drive away. He added that it didn’t appear she was being forced into the car in any way.Corwin was last seen on June 28 leaving a home she shares with her husband, headed to Joshua Tree National Park. Her husband, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Corwin, reported her missing a day later when she never returned. -HLN (July 16, 2014)

According to a new search warrant affidavit released this week, homicide detectives now believe that — on the day she vanished — missing Marine wife Erin Corwin went on a day trip with a neighbor and ex-Marine whom she was romantically involved with. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

New police documents reveal Erin Corwin was having an affair with her married neighbor and told her friend the two were spending the day together when she went missing. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Erin Corwin was last seen leaving her home on June 28, and was reportedly heading to Joshua Tree National Park. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Following the discovery of Erin Corwin’s remains, friends and family father to honor her memory and begin healing. -WATE 6 On Your Side (September 19, 2014)

Part 1: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 2: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 3: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Dateline (NBC):

When the 19-year old wife of a Marine vanishes without a trace in the California desert, investigators launch a massive search. They soon uncover a secret love triangle and a mystery with multiple suspects. Andrea Canning reports. -Dateline NBC (December 1, 2016)

MJFA Links:
Erin Corwin Reported Missing in California; Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (June 29, 2014)
Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the Murder of Erin Corwin in the Joshua Tree National Park, California (November 29, 2016)
Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Last Day’: Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Lured Erin Corwin to the Joshua Tree National Park Under False Pretenses to Kill Her (December 2, 2016)

Video Links:
Justice for Erin Corwin
Erin Corwin candlelight vigil
Young pregnant military wife vanishes
Marine’s pregnant wife missing from California
Erin Corwin – pregnant woman missing in California
Please help find Erin Corwin Missing Marine Wife out of 29 Palms
Pregnant Woman, Marine’s Wife Disappears In California
Oakridge Woman Now Missing Three Weeks
Missing pregnant wife seen with mystery man?
Was missing marine wife living a double life?
Cops: Missing Marine wife was having an affair
Missing pregnant woman Erin Corwin’s car found
Car of missing pregnant woman found; search continues
Missing marine wife: Search warrants issued
Alaska Mine Reveals Missing Wife
Erin Corwin’s Body Recovered, Suspect Arrested

What the DoD Doesn’t Want You to Know: 50 Shocking Military Homicides in the Last 30 Years (March 23, 2018)

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Administrator

Violent Crime, Non Combat Death, and Suicide at Camp Pendleton, California (US Marine Corps)

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Administrator

*Research not complete and includes combat deaths.

2017:

Laurel Chasmar, US Marine Corps Veteran: Died in murder-suicide, New Jersey
John Deshaies, Canadian Citizen: Suspect in homicide of Marine & GF in Belize
Drew DeVoursney, US Marine Corps Veteran: Homicide victim in Belize, unsolved
Cody Haley, US Marine Corps: Died after tree fell on him during physical training
Francesca Matus, Civilian: Homicide victim in Belize, unsolved

2016:

Oscar Aguilar, Civilian: Accused of homicide of US Marine, awaiting trial
Esau Rios, Civilian: Accused of homicide of US Marine, awaiting trial
Carlos Segovia, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim in Los Angeles
Ricky Valente, Civilian: Accused of accessory after the fact, homicide of US Marine, awaiting trial

2015:

Sergio Medina, US Marine Corps Veteran: Robbery & physical assault, 6 years
Leonardo Ortiz, US Marine Corps Veteran: Robbery & physical assault, 3 years
Rodrigo Sanchez, US Marine Corps Veteran: Robbery & physical assault, 3 years
Dominic Schraft, US Marine Corps: Found dead with gunshot wound on base

2014:

Erin Corwin, US Marine Corps Spouse: Pregnant, Homicide Victim
Emilio Harvey, Civilian: Homicide victim, child
Christopher Lee, US Marine Corps: Homicide of Erin Corwin, Sentenced to Life
Stanford Morocho, US Marine Corps Veteran: Homicide, sentenced to 15 yrs to life
Sean Neal, US Marine Corps: Non-combat related incident, Iraq

2013:

Alvin Bulaoro, US Army Reserve: Homicide victim
Kevin Coset, US Marine Corps: Accused of homicide, awaiting trial
Karen Lange, Civilian: Attempted murder by AWOL Pendleton Marine
Mathew Marsh, US Marine Corps: Training accident, EOD explosion on base
Gregory Mullins, US Marine Corps: Training accident, EOD explosion on base
David Oppelt, US Army Spouse: Suspected of homicide, under investigation
Imelda Oppelt, US Army Guard Reserve: Homicide victim, death by hanging
Miguel Ortiz, US Marine Corps: Training accident, EOD explosion on base
Eric Summers, US Marine Corps: Training accident, EOD explosion on base

2012:

Clayton Beauchamp, US Navy: Unit attacked with IED, Afghanistan
John Berry, Civilian: Homicide victim of deceased Marine veteran Itzcoatl Ocampo
Amyjane Brandhagen, Civilian: Homicide victim of AWOL Pendleton Marine
Lukah Chang (Danny Wu), US Marine Corps: AWOL, homicide, sentenced to 35 yrs
Ryan Jeschke, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat ops, Afghanistan
Brittany Killgore, US Marine Corps Spouse: Rape & homicide victim
Matthew Manoukian, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat ops, Afghanistan
Sky Mote, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat ops, Afghanistan
Louis Perez, US Marine Corps: Rape & homicide, sentenced to life
Camella Steedley, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan

2011:

Mario Arias, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim, beat to death in barracks
Yvonne Baldelli, Civilian: Domestic violence & homicide victim in Panama
Brian Brimager, US Marine Corps Retired: Homicide, Panama, 26 yrs in prison
Raquel Estrada, Civilian: Homicide victim of dead Marine vet Itzcoatl Ocampo
Darren Evans, US Marine Corps: Homicide on base, sentenced to life
Adan Gonzales Jr, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat ops, Afghanistan
Juan Herrera, Civilian: Homicide victim of dead Marine vet Itzcoatl Ocampo
James McGillivray, Civilian: Homicide victim of dead Marine vet Itzcoatl Ocampo
Lloyd Middaugh, Civilian: Homicide victim of dead Marine vet Itzcoatl Ocampo
Itzcoatl Ocampo, US Marine Corps Veteran: Accused of 6 homicides, died in prison
Joshua Robinson, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat ops, Afghanistan
Paulus Smit, Civilian: Homicide victim of dead Marine vet Itzcoatl Ocampo

2010:

Christopher Boyd, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Max Donahue, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Daniel Fedder, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Floyd Holley, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Kevin Oratowski, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Ronald Rodriguez, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan
Jose Saenz III, US Marine Corps: Died supporting combat operations, Afghanistan

2009:

Donald Hogan, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Afghanistan

2008:

Kevin Cox, US Marine Corps: 2 homicides, sentenced to life, no parole
Stacy Dryden, US Marine Corps: Non-hostile incident, homicide, Iraq
Michael Heflin, Civilian: Beating & stabbing victim, survived
Emrys John, US Marine Corps: 2 homicides, sentenced to death
Summer Lang, US Marine Corps Spouse: Rape, torture, & kidnapping victim
Robert McClain, US Marine Corps Veteran: Rape & kidnapping, sentenced to life
Adam McKiski, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
Tyrone Miller, US Marine Corps: 2 homicides, sentenced to life, no parole
Jan Pietrzak, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim
Quiana Pietrzak, US Marine Corps Spouse: Rape & homicide victim
Kesuan Sykes, US Marine Corps: 2 homicides, sentenced to death
Stewart Trejo, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq

2007:

Jon Bonnell Jr., US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
Matthew Medlicott, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
Rogelio Ramirez, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
John Tanner, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
Michael Tayaotao, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq
Cristian Vasquez, US Marine Corps: Died conducting combat operations, Iraq

2006:

Lawrence Hutchins III, US Marine Corps: Kidnapping, murder of Iraqi civilian

2005:

Frank Wuterich, US Marine Corps: Accused of role in killing 24 unarmed Iraqis

2004:

Ryan Weemer, US Marine Corps: Acquitted in homicide of unarmed Iraqi detainee

1996:

Cassandra Corum, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, IL
Thomas Heffner, US Marine Corps: Attempted homicide victim
Lynn Huber, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, IL
Daniel Kidd, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim
Jessie Quintanilla, US Marine Corps: Homicide, sentenced to life
Laura Uylaki, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, IL

1993:

Kenneth Cook, US Marine Corps: Homicide of infant child, sentenced to life
Tiffani Cook, US Marine Corps Dependent: Homicide victim
Denise Maney, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA

1992:

Marilyn Allen, Civilian: Homicide victim, cold case, solved
Jennifer Asbenson, Civilian: Rape & abduction by Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA
Roosevelt Gipson, US Marine Corps: Manslaughter, sentenced to 11 yrs in prison

1991:

Lindell Mitchell, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim, cold case, solved

1989:

Tammie Erwin, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA

1988:

Julie McGhee, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA
Mary Ann Wells, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA

1986:

Robbin Brandley, Civilian: Homicide victim of Marine Andrew Urdiales, CA
Andrew Urdiales, US Marine Corps: Homicide of 8 women, sentenced to death

1985:

Kathleen Allen, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Lonnie Bond, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Michael Carroll, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Jeff Gerald, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Brenda O’Connor, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Cliff Peranteau, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Robert Scott Stapley: Missing, homicide victim

1984:

Richard Carrazza, Civilian: Attempted homicide victim
Paul Cosner, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Deborah Dubs, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Harvey Dubs, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim
Sean Dubs, Civilian: Missing child, homicide victim
Donald Giulietti, Civilian: Homicide victim

1983:

Charles Gunnar, Civilian: Missing, homicide victim

1982:

Charles Ng, US Marine Corps Veteran: Multiple rapes & 12 homicides, sentenced to death
Donald Lake, US Army Veteran: Missing, homicide victim
Leonard Lake, US Marine Corps Veteran: Multiple rapes & homicide, committed suicide

1980:

Eugene Brunelle, US Marine Corps: Homicide victim
Roy Garcia, US Marine Corps: Homicide of Marine, sentenced to 20 yrs to life

Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Last Day’: Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Lured Erin Corwin to the Joshua Tree National Park Under False Pretenses to Kill Her (December 2, 2016)

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Administrator

Christopher Lee, U.S. Marine Corps, and Erin Corwin

Editor’s Note: You can watch the full episode of Dateline for a limited time on the NBC app. Download the app and binge on the last couple years of programming.

In the News:

New police documents reveal Erin Corwin was having an affair with her married neighbor and told her friend the two were spending the day together when she went missing. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Erin Corwin was last seen leaving her home on June 28, and was reportedly heading to Joshua Tree National Park. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Following the discovery of Erin Corwin’s remains, friends and family father to honor her memory and begin healing. -WATE 6 On Your Side (September 19, 2014)

Part 1: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 2: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 3: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

48 Hours (CBS):

“48 Hours: NCIS” takes you inside the real-life investigation of a 19-year-old Marine wife who vanished in the desert. “The Marine’s Wife” uncovers the story of Erin Corwin and her disappearance. – CBS News (June 12, 2018)

MJFA Links:
Erin Corwin Reported Missing in California; Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (June 29, 2014)
Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the Murder of Erin Corwin in the Joshua Tree National Park, California (November 29, 2016)
48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘The Marine’s Wife’: Christopher Lee Strangled Erin Corwin After Finding Out She May Be Pregnant With His Child, Disposed of Body in a Mine Shaft (June 12, 2018)

Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the Murder of Erin Corwin in the Joshua Tree National Park, California (November 29, 2016)

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Administrator

Christopher Lee, U.S. Marine Corps, and Erin Corwin

In the News:

New police documents reveal Erin Corwin was having an affair with her married neighbor and told her friend the two were spending the day together when she went missing. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Erin Corwin was last seen leaving her home on June 28, and was reportedly heading to Joshua Tree National Park. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Following the discovery of Erin Corwin’s remains, friends and family father to honor her memory and begin healing. -WATE 6 On Your Side (September 19, 2014)

Part 1: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 2: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 3: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Dateline (NBC):

48 Hours (CBS):

MJFA Links:
Erin Corwin Reported Missing in California; Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (June 29, 2014)
Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Last Day’: Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Lured Erin Corwin to the Joshua Tree National Park Under False Pretenses to Kill Her (December 2, 2016)
48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘The Marine’s Wife’: Christopher Lee Strangled Erin Corwin After Finding Out She May Be Pregnant With His Child, Disposed of Body in a Mine Shaft (June 12, 2018)

Video Links:
Erin Corwin – pregnant woman missing in California
Car of missing pregnant woman found; search continues
Young pregnant military wife vanishes
Missing pregnant wife seen with mystery man?
Cops: Missing Marine wife was having an affair
Was missing marine wife living a double life?
Missing marine wife: Search warrants issued
Erin Corwin had affair with Christopher Brandon Lee, affidavit reveals
Marine’s pregnant wife missing from California
Man accused of killing Marine wife arrested
Erin Corwin’s body found – Christopher Brandon Lee arrested
Erin Corwin candlelight vigil
Chattanooga Update – August 19, 2014
Corwin Murder Trial
Marine’s Wife Vanishes After Affair – Crime Watch Daily With Chris Hansen (Pt 1)
Marine’s Wife Vanishes After Affair – Crime Watch Daily With Chris Hansen (Pt 2)
Marine’s Wife Vanishes After Affair – Crime Watch Daily With Chris Hansen (Pt 3)
“48 Hours: NCIS” sneak peek: The Marine’s Wife
“48 Hours: NCIS”: The Marine’s Wife |S30 E93 (website)
“48 Hours: NCIS”: Investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old Marine wife
Search for missing Marine wife ‘like finding a needle in a thousand haystacks’
Dateline Premiered ‘The Last Day’ on NBC: Erin Corwin & Christopher Lee (12/2/16)
Dateline Episode Trailer: The Last Day | Dateline NBC
The Last Day | Dateline | NBC (Full Episode)

Erin Corwin Reported Missing in California; Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (June 29, 2014)

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Administrator

Erin Corwin, California

In the News:

New police documents reveal Erin Corwin was having an affair with her married neighbor and told her friend the two were spending the day together when she went missing. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Erin Corwin was last seen leaving her home on June 28, and was reportedly heading to Joshua Tree National Park. -HLN (July 22, 2014)

Following the discovery of Erin Corwin’s remains, friends and family father to honor her memory and begin healing. -WATE 6 On Your Side (September 19, 2014)

Part 1: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 2: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Part 3: Erin Corwin vanished after having a miscarriage and growing distant from her husband. She was allegedly pregnant at the time of her disappearance. -Crime Watch Daily (May 3, 2017)

Dateline (NBC):

48 Hours (CBS):

MJFA Links:
Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the Murder of Erin Corwin in the Joshua Tree National Park, California (November 29, 2016)
Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Last Day’: Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Lured Erin Corwin to the Joshua Tree National Park Under False Pretenses to Kill Her (December 2, 2016)
48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘The Marine’s Wife’: Christopher Lee Strangled Erin Corwin After Finding Out She May Be Pregnant With His Child, Disposed of Body in a Mine Shaft (June 12, 2018)

MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL

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Tag Archives: Christopher Lee

48 Hours NCIS Premiered ‘The Marine’s Wife’: Christopher Lee Strangled Erin Corwin After Finding Out She May Be Pregnant With His Child, Disposed of Body in a Mine Shaft (June 12, 2018)

What the DoD Doesn’t Want You to Know: 50 Shocking Military Homicides in the Last 30 Years (March 23, 2018)

Violent Crime, Non Combat Death, and Suicide at Camp Pendleton, California (US Marine Corps)

Dateline NBC Premiered ‘The Last Day’: Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Lured Erin Corwin to the Joshua Tree National Park Under False Pretenses to Kill Her (December 2, 2016)

Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for the Murder of Erin Corwin in the Joshua Tree National Park, California (November 29, 2016)

Erin Corwin Reported Missing in California; Former Twentynine Palms Marine Christopher Lee Convicted of Pre-Meditated Murder, Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (June 29, 2014)