Cpl. Hayden Harris, a 20-year-old soldier, was found dead in Byram Township, New Jersey, and an investigation is ongoing.
Harris was last heard from when he left Fort Drum for Watertown to meet a fellow soldier: 23-year-old Jamaal Mellish. According to authorities, they were meeting for "some kind of vehicle exchange", and it is believed that Mellish abducted Harris, and killed him following the meetup.
Mellish was held in New York pending charges.
Gen. Brett Funck, acting commander for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division said “His death is a tremendous loss for his loved ones, this division and our nation” in a statement.
Cpl. Hayden Harris was promoted from specialist to corporal following his death.