Marine arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in Twentynine Palms
A Marine has been arrested on suspicion of killing his wife in Twentynine Palms, authorities announced.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carlos Zamudio, 23, from Twentynine Palms, was arrested early Sunday morning at the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree, after being accused of the murder of Savannah Encke, 21, of Twentynine Palms.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, deputies were called out to the hospital after a woman, Encke, was in the emergency room with severe injuries. Encke had been brought in by her husband, who had injuries to his face.
Encke was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Detectives assumed the investigation and determined that the husband was responsible for the injuries leading to Encke’s death.
The 23-year-old was arrested and booked into the Morongo jail, where he faces a murder charge.
On Tuesday, the 1st Marine Division confirmed that Zamudio enlisted in the Marine Corps from California. He began boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in January 2020.
The 1st Marine Division shared a statement on Zamudio's arrest:
“1st Marine Division is aware of the arrest of one of our Marines, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Carlos Zamudio, by San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 5.
Zamudio enlisted in the Marine Corps from California and began boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, January 2020.
Upon graduating from the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School at Twentynine Palms, California, in September 2020, Zamudio was assigned as a transmission system operator with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, also in Twentynine Palms. During his time with the unit, Zamudio deployed to Australia for Marine Rotational Force – Darwin in 2022, and to Japan under the Unit Deployment Program in 2024. He achieved his current rank of corporal in April 2022, and his only personal decoration is a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
The circumstances surrounding the incident leading to the arrest are currently under investigation, and Division leadership is engaged and committed to supporting local authorities on this case."
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Owenn Domon, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
