Air Force to take over death case

Airman at Cannon died of gunshot wound in July

An airman at Cannon Air Force Base died July 10 after suffering a gunshot wound days earlier, Air Force officials said.

Marcus Jimenez, 23, of Olton, Texas, and a friend were allegedly “playing” with a firearm in the early morning of July 5, according to Clovis police, when the weapon was fired.

Police said the men had been consuming alcohol.

The other man involved is also an airman, according to a news release from 9th Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb, but was not named by her or police.

Jimenez was first taken to Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis before being taken to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he died.

Reeb announced Tuesday that Cannon Air Force Base would be given jurisdiction to prosecute the case.

“After speaking with the military, law enforcement involved, and the victim’s family, I believe letting the military handle a case involving two of their own airman is the best decision,” Reeb said in a news release. “... The military’s penalties are similar if not higher than the State’s penalties.”

It is unknown whether charges will be pressed.

Representatives at Cannon Air Force Base could not be reached for comment.

According to his obituary, Jimenez joined the Air Force last year and was an airman 1st class at Cannon. It says, “Marcus had a contagious laugh and a golden smile.”