US Marine Remembered as ‘True Warrior' by USMC, LAPD

Lance Cpl. Carlos Segovia Lopez died at a hospital Monday night, three days after he was shot while on leave from Camp Pendleton

U.S. Marines held a memorial Wednesday for a Camp Pendleton-based Marine who was shot and killed in South Los Angeles, describing the young man as “an inspiration” and “a true warrior.”

“In a very short time, Lance Cpl. Segovia Lopez deeply impacted those who came to know him,” Sgt. Maj. Benny R. Benton said in a video clip produced by the Marines on the base.

Lance Cpl. Carlos Segovia Lopez died at a hospital Monday night. He had been on life support since he was found Friday night slumped over in the driver's seat of his car in South Los Angeles.

Before the the shooting, Lopez had visited his girlfriend and texted a friend to say he was picking up some pizza before heading over.

A vehicle pulled up beside the Marine's car, and at least one person opened fire, striking him once in the head, LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman said Monday. He was not in uniform.

Several young Marines who have been training with Lopez since he joined the Corps six months ago shared their thoughts about the 19-year-old.

They said Lopez motivated them to get through training and to work harder. One also mentioned how Lopez, who often volunteered in his hometown, would bug fellow Marines to join him and volunteer in Los Angeles.

“His unselfish and honorable legacy will live on in our Corps,” Benton said. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.“

No suspects were identified and investigators did not have a motive.

Los Angeles Police Lt. Stacy D. Spell also appeared in the video, commending Lopez and his work with the homeless.

“He was a Marine who gave time not only to serving his country, but also to serving his community,” Spell said.

Lopez was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. with his mother. Both are U.S. citizens.

Lopez was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Certificate of Commendation.

Segovia worked with LA on Cloud9, helping to develop the Teen Project program and supporting the homeless community through Street Team Soldiers, according to the organization.

He also was a junior counselor for children in South Los Angeles through the USC Troy Camp.

“Semper Fi, Carlos,” LAPD Officer Christopher Hoffman said at the end of the video. Watch the full memorial video here.

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