A tragic incident has shaken the Fort Irwin National Training Center in Southern California, where a U.S. Army soldier has been charged with the murder of a fellow soldier.
The accused, 26-year-old Specialist George Cornejo, is facing charges in connection with the death of 20-year-old Specialist Andrew P. Smith on October 28. The Army confirmed on November 20 that Cornejo, who is part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and works as a construction equipment repairer, has been formally charged with murder.
Smith’s story is heartbreaking. Originally from Rye, New York, he joined the Army in 2021 and arrived at Fort Irwin in March 2022, where he served as a utilities equipment preparer. On October 28, he was found injured in his home at the National Training Center by military police. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Smith didn’t survive. The exact cause of his death is still under investigation, and it’s unclear whether he and Cornejo had any prior relationship.
Just a day after Smith was found, Cornejo was taken into custody and placed in pretrial confinement. He was later transferred to the Naval Consolidated Brig in Miramar, California, where he is awaiting a preliminary hearing. As of now, no court date has been set, and it’s unknown if Cornejo has legal representation.
The news of Smith’s passing hit the Fort Irwin community hard. On October 31, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment shared their grief on social media, calling Smith a beloved and respected teammate. Kevin Black, the regiment’s commander, expressed condolences to Smith’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Smith’s family is devastated by the loss of a young man who had so much ahead of him. According to his obituary, Smith was known for his fierce loyalty and his willingness to help others in need. He was a passionate sports fan who loved the New York Giants, the Yankees, and playing basketball with friends. But above all, he cherished his family. Smith was looking forward to becoming a father and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his son, Luca, in January.
He leaves behind his wife Erika, their unborn son, his mother Christine, his father William, and his sister Lauren.
This tragic case remains under investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. For now, the Fort Irwin community mourns the loss of a promising young soldier, gone far too soon.
