Marine suspected of murdering toddler now in civilian hands

A New River Marine accused of killing a toddler last month in California has been transferred from base to the Onslow County Jail.

Joshua Kruzik, 21, is awaiting extradition on charges of murder and injury to a child resulting in death. He is accused of killing 18-month-old Audrey Allen, the daughter of Marines he was staying with while training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

“Pursuant to an arrest warrant issued in San Bernardino County, Calif., and in accordance with Marine Corps policy, we transferred custody of Cpl. Kruzik to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Department,” New River spokeswoman 1st Lt. Kristin Dalton said. “There, he will be processed for extradition to California where he will face criminal charges brought by local authorities.”

While Kruzik is “in the hands of civilian authorities,” he has not been discharged from the Marine Corps, Dalton said, clearing up an erroneous report from California authorities that Kruzik had been dishonorably discharged.

Lejeune staff NCO faces sex charges

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina-based staff non-commissioned officer faces sex-related charges, including felony secret peeping.

Staff Sgt. Dustin Paul Cosper, 38, of Camp Lejeune-based 2nd Radio Battalion, was arrested Monday. He also was charged with second-degree sexual offense and crime against nature, according to an Onslow County Sheriff’s Office statement.

Authorities said Cosper was drinking with his wife and a young relative the evening of March 7. He told authorities he didn’t know how much alcohol the victim consumed, “but he was aware that she was in a drunken state,” according to the statement.

After the victim went to bed, Cosper told investigators he went to where she was sleeping and sexually assaulted her, admitting he’d been sexually attracted to her for about three years, the release said.

His bond was set at $50,000 and he was scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday.

Cosper is an electronics maintenance technician who has served two tours in Iraq, according to II Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman 1st Lt. Phil Klay. Cosper joined the Corps on Aug. 21, 1994.