On Saturday morning in the District of Columbia, one U.S. Marine allegedly stabbed another Marine to death. Michael Poth, 20, allegedly fatally stabbed Philip Bushong, 23, once with a pocket knife after the two men got into an argument during which Poth used a homophobic slur against Bushong. Bushong was pronounced dead after he was taken to the hospital. The fatal incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday in front of a sporting goods store across from the Marine Barracks in southeast Washington.
A witness told police that the Marines were arguing, but the scene turned violent after the anti-gay slur. “At this time, it does not appear they knew each other,” Metro Police Department homicide detective Lieutenant Robert Alder told ABC News affiliate WJLA. “We do not have any information there was physical contact before this. It was just an exchange of words, which escalated and wound up with a stabbing occurring.” Marine guards who witnessed the incident chased Poth as he tried to flee the scene. Poth, who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., but was based at the Marine barracks, was charged on Saturday with second-degree murder while armed. Poth’s first court appearance will be held on Monday.
