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An outspoken Marine is found murdered.  David Cox  David Cox CASE DETAILS Audiences lined up to see Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise in the hit movie, “A Few Good Men”. But not many were aware that it was based on a true story, one that may have led to the murder of a courageous former Marine.  Skeleton was discovered 5 miles away David Cox joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school and was stationed at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. One day, while on duty, David became aware of a problem. Another platoon member, PFC William Alvarado, had written to his senator complaining about Marine misconduct. David’s former squad leader, Christopher Valdez, explains how Alvarado was targeted for a “Code Red,” or hazing:
 Theory: murder David Cox convinced his platoon to stop the hazing. When they removed the gag and untied Alvarado, he was unconsciousness. Alvarado was rushed to the hospital. He recovered, but his 10 attackers, including David Cox, were brought up on charges. Cox was going to be charged with attempted murder. But he said he was just following orders. Don Marcari was appointed to defend David Cox:
David claimed the Code Red started with implied orders from his superior officers.
At his trial, David was convicted of simple assault. He was sentenced to time already served in the brig. He then completed his duty and received an honorable discharge. He returned to civilian life in his hometown near Boston. Years later, “A Few Good Men” was released. David felt that the filmmakers had stolen his story. David Cox’s girlfriend, Elaine Tinsley, recalls at the time:
David and some of the other Marines involved in the Code Red, sued the movie production company. While they waited for a ruling, David spoke out about his case on radio talk shows. By January 1994, David was living with Elaine and hoping his temporary job with UPS would become permanent. The night before he was supposed to get the good news, David’s back was giving him trouble, so he spent the night on the couch. The next morning, Elaine left at about 8:30, and then called home at about noon. David didn’t answer, but there was a message for him on the machine: UPS wanted to hire him. Elaine was happy David would be getting his wish:
At 5:30 pm, Elaine returned home:
David’s truck was still in the driveway, with the keys in the ignition. His un-cashed paycheck was on the dashboard and his 9-millimeter gun was in the glove box. But David was gone. Elaine didn’t know what to make of the situation:
The answer came with the spring thaw. The body of David Cox was discovered on the banks of a river in Medfield, Massachusetts, about five miles from his apartment. Sgt. Kevin Shea of Massachusetts State Police, describes the manner of death:
It was clear that robbery was not the motive. David’s cash and his credit cards were still in his wallet. And police ruled out a random attack. Sgt. Shea believes David left home with someone he knew:
David’s attorney, Donald Marcari, thinks the murder was somehow related to the military:
But what was the motive? After the release of “A Few Good Men,” David gave an interview on the radio. He was quite vocal about his story and the U.S. activities in Cuba. David’s mother worried that he had been too outspoken:
David’s brother, Steve, had a different theory suggesting another possible scenario. He thought that perhaps the murder was connected to David’s job at UPS:
According to Sgt. Kevin Shea, nothing has been ruled out and the investigation is still open:
Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season eight with Robert Stack and in season one with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. SUBMIT A TIP |
38 Comments
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Holmes
Is it just me or are a lot of the comments on this page part of an attempt to throw off anyone trying to solve the case?
It seems someone in a lot of lower back pain would be unlikely to voluntarily agree to an impromptu get-together in the woods.
Having worked at UPS, I can tell you that it is bizarre for someone in UPS management to place a call concerning employment during the first shift. UPS loaders and unloaders work in the middle of the night in 4-hour shifts, there is no 8-hour loading or unloading shift due to the borderline aerobic nature of the work.
It takes years to work up to being a driver and driver jobs take years to get at UPS as they are issued based upon seniority in the union.
I also find it odd that the girlfriend claimed she was able to check the messages on her machine remotely. That was not a standard feature on answering machines at that time. So right there, you have a claim (coming from the girlfriend) that doesn’t jibe with the reality of UPS hiring practices.
I find it unlikely that intruders would have known there was a rabbit in their home and gone out of their way to let it out of its cage.
Attempts to paint this Cox as some kind of hero seem inappropriate given that he was part of a lynch mob that attacked a fellow Marine. Having met a few bullies, I can tell you that he had the face of a bully. Most people would consider themselves lucky to get away with attempted manslaughter and would be humiliated to find their story the subject of a movie.
Given how many years had already passed, I would suggest that his old Marine buddies are the least likely suspects, not the most likely. I also do not believe it was a thief from UPS. I would actually place the girlfriend as the second most likely suspect and the film studio as the primary suspect.
The film studio was being sued and his death obviously brought an end to that litigation. This has all the hallmarks of a contract killing in which the killer had elaborate knowledge of Cox thanks to his numerous public interviews. I couls envision a scenario where multiple kidnappers forced him to put his Marine jacket on so that the body would be found this way as part of a ploy to direct suspicion away from the film studio and toward the more “obvious” suspects.
I believe that Cox was ambushed by one or two kidnappers as he got ready to leave to make a trip to deposit his paycheck and forced out of his vehicle and back into his home. A second pair of assailants let themselves in through the back door upon receiving a signal to do so over a radio once Cox was seen walking out the front door. The intruders made themselves at home a la the scene in The Accountant where Lamar’s “best friend” was forced to administer an insulin overdose in his kitchen.
They took a good look around, they knew they had plenty of time because they knew both his and his girlfriend’s routine. They found the rabbit and let it out of the cage as part of the usual arrogant behavior of assassins. They ordered him to go upstairs and put his Marine Corps jacket on.
I get the distinct impression that one of the people responsible was either questioned or is simply experiencing paranoia and is using the comments section here to defect attention away from the obvious reality that the film studio saved itself millions by eliminating Cox.
To find the killers or the person who hired them, you need to look at the financial transactions around everyone working in a high level position at the studio in question.
Collin Henriksen
To me it seems like the perpetrator forced David Cox at gunpoint to go to his murder site and shot Cox there. The killer object knew the surrounding area because it was a avid shooting site. Also the fact that the keys were still in the ignition of David Cox truck and the fact their was no forced entry tells me that he probably was ambushed and then probably forced him at gunpoint to put on his military jacket. Also Maybe the reason why the perpetrator told David Cox he had to put on his military because of some significant importance to the perpetrator.
Collin Henriksen
I would agree that David Cox knew the perpetrator since their was no forced entry into the house, until you bring into play the keys in the ignition. The keys in the ignition point to one possible scenario, that he was about to leave to go somewhere, when the killer ambushed him. After that the killer probably forced him to go back into the house at gunpoint and put on his military jacket. I believe the killer then instructed him at gunpoint to drive to his murder site and told him to walk down the trail he was found and shot him in the back of the head. The killer then proceeded to cover his body up with branches. To me you looking at someone who wanted revenge, and I think his involvement in the code red incident and the movie might have something to do with it. Maybe it was a guy watched the movie found out it was based on true events researched the trial of David Cox and felt like it was his duty to seek vengeance for Alvarado the victim.
Michael Fontaine
I noticed an inconsistency in the story told by the girlfriend and what was shown on Unsolved Mysteries. In the segment didn’t she say nothing was out of order at the apartment? Now you’ve got stuff out of place and a rabbit jumping around by itself.. Disappearance
On January 5, 1994, Elaine Tinsley woke David as she was preparing to leave for work. David had been sleeping on the couch due to a back problem. David was eagerly awaiting a call from United Parcel Service with whom he had a temporary position he was hoping would become permanent. Tinsley left their home at approximately 8:30am. She called home at noon, but received no answer though when checking the messages she found a call from David’s boss at UPS offering him a full-time position. Calling back at 1pm, she again received no answer. When she returned home around 5:30pm she found David’s 1988 Ford Truck parked in the driveway, though David was nowhere to be found. The home was in good condition, though Tinsley did report all of the interior doors were open, their pet rabbit was hopping around unrestrained and several glasses appeared to have fallen over.
Tinsley placed several calls to friends and family but no one had seen nor heard from David. When she approached his truck she found his keys in the ignition, an un-cashed paycheck on the dashboard and David’s 9mm handgun in the glove compartment. The following day, on January 6, when no one had seen David and he failed to return home, Tinsley filed a missing person’s report with the Natick Police Department. Despite several searches and the Cox family’s pleas to the media, there were no leads and no tips about David’s possible whereabouts.
ab
the caption in the pic is wrong, his body was pretty well preserved
Will
Who was alvarado’s Platoon commander in real life?
Pete Loftus
David “Coxie” Cox was a bully at our high school (Needham High School) who tortured and humiliated kids smaller than he was. His aggression ranged from slamming kids into their lockers to stealing food and money, Ironically, he stopped growing and many of the kids he tormented, including myself, grew bigger and stronger, but Cox became a little man. In high school he was obsessed with becoming a US Marine but was ignorant, lacked character and was to be avoided at all costs. It sure sounds like military science changed him and he turned out to be a good man, but karma can be like a big cop that won’t let you go. When he turned up dead from an apparent assassination I was not the least bit surprised.
Gary
If his keys were in the ignition he was probably caught when he entered his vehicle and then taken back into the house.
Was the house found unlocked, or were all the doors just open because that was just the way it was?
Gary
The murderer or murderers must have knew the area to be able to walk 3/4 of a mile through the woods at night to a spot they could kill Dave.
I doubt anyone from the military would really care that much about him, and if they did, they probably would have killed him when he answered the door.
Sounds like something organized criminals would do.
Rest peacefully Marine.
Mike
There is a podcast that is covering this case in depth and they talk to most of the people that were talked to in this episode. It’s called Cold Traces and this murder is being covered in the second season. A lot more detail about what happened in Gitmo and in his murder.
Margo King
Mr. Cox was having back spasms and elected to stay home. He has a pet rabbit he cares for and took it out of the cage. Uncashed paycheck on the table, all doors to all rooms opened. Truck and truck keys still on property but no David Cox. He puts on a article of clothing he never wears and gets into a car willingly? and is driven to the woods escorted into the woods where he shot 4 time This is a kidnapping and murder by someone he was familiar with and probably the former Marines who were convicted of the Alvarado murder. Pretty sure they are released by now. I doubt UPS had any issues with him.
Anonymous
Hi Elain,
I worked with Dave. back then at fiberclean or new england..please if there is anything i can do I cant believe its been 20 something [email protected]
Anonymous
As I remember it, it wasn’t Cox that was the primary assailant that initiated and or was the one responsible for stopping the assault, to the credit of the ten, they are the ones that called the ambulance. Knowing the marines that were involved, I don’t think there was any intent to kill are seriously hurt Pfc Alvarado, just to try to get him to be a productive member of the plt. The plt. Meeting held by the platoon commander was the results of numerous letters written by PFC Alvarado to his congressman, state senators and I believe even the President of the United States with accusations of illegal fence line shootings, abusive behavior towards him and various other accusations, in short he wanted off of GTMO and out of the Corps. Col. Adams was not relieved solely for Alvarado incident, but due to an investigation of other accusations.
Anni Moss
Thank you for straightening out some of the details. This was a bad situation gone worse. The lives affected in this incident are changed forever. I feel bad for the victim in this case but also for the Marines who were dedicated to the CORP and would have given thier lives for you, me and thier country that are now either deceased or not living the life they would have chosen. Thier choice to follow protocol with the CORP turned out to be a punishment for them and thier families. Again, Thank you.
Doug Masters
He gets hired to the job where he turned in someone for theft and is killed the same day. He never wore his military jacket yet he did so that day. If I had a beef with someone and wanted to make it look as if someone else did it. There ya go. Perfect since he was outspoken against the military at the time.
thinkingoutloud
totally agree!! someone set it up to make it look like it was Marines related.
Terry
Yes the most quite case I’ve ever heard
Gina
I absolutely agree with commenter S. I believe it may have been associated with his service. There is little to no information regarding this case. I guess it would be breaching National Security. The jacket is a very loud clue. Those jackets aren’t that warm. He never wore it after service. I kept mine in my closet for a few years. Wasn’t one l reached for. However, if l was being led to my murder. I would grab it. Bc, my killers were associated w the Military. There was a foot of snow on the ground. Found wearing gym shoes. His killers wanted him to be identified that’s why his wallet was still in his possession. They were already in a remote location, why not set him on fire? He resigned to his fate. It had to have been two or more individuals. He was a combat trained Marine. Plus, regardless if your back hurts, its not broke. He would have fought back, for his life. His family however thinks it was the individual he turned in for stealing. If that was the case, hometown media would’ve jumped on the story. He remains unnamed. This is one of the quietest cases I’ve known. So either a family member did it or it was associated with his prior service.
Anonymous
I believe that it had to have something to do with the military considering that he was shot execution style. Hollywood wouldn’t go after him for being outspoken about his story. It’s a shame that such a young marine was killed at home. My dad served in the marine corps. Taking all things into consideration him wearing his USMC jacket, being found so far into the woods, and that he had all of his personal belongings still when he was found sounds very fishy to me. Just my opinion. I hope that one day they can find out who killed this poor marine. I hope he will someday be able to rest in peace.
Chuck
Has anyone thought that the murder might even been from someone of the cast or producers of the movie (A few good men)? Remember that David was in the process of suing the movie producers for millions. Think about it. Perhaps they should become suspects as well. Look into it.
mike
is dave gunner around??? or the girl who lived on cherry st in malden?? If so get ahold of me…[email protected].. we worked with dave. he was a great kid he took me to my first patriots game lol..
sherbi
I was his roommate he didn’t die it was to teach him a lesson. It simply went to far. Cox was a good friend of mine and a great person.
Annie Moss
His Roommate at the time of the shooting or in GTMO
Ron
I worked with David at the Vista Hotel in Waltham, Mass. He was a good guy.
S
Killed execution style. Lead into the woods. Obviously followed the killer(s) into the woods because he knew them. I doubt a military man would simply obey walking into the woods with strangers like his UPS colleagues. Perhaps he knew what was coming and put on his military jacket as a symbol to leave his finders and investigators a clue of where to start looking.
Eric W Bohannon
He was X out due to his knowledge about us policy.
Johnny
Cox seemed to be an outspoken type guy. That can be good or bad. In this case, David was pretty vocal on military things such as US activities in Cuba. No doubt he was eliminated or silenced. He knew this person a former Officer or SGT perhaps. With his bad back, it had to be someone he trusted to leave. Probably had to take pain meds for his back or an ice/heat application device. Cox walked into the woods to his death. A sad end to a bright future.
john mack
yeh who knows what happened but with all the .milliatary closed cases. It had to be government. They like events like this to stay closed
It was Jew Hollywood
My opinion is I don’t think it was the military at all. He was going after Hollywood. When money is involved or future case of suing and possibly winning involved it brings out the corrupt thieves in tinsel town. And they will do anything to keep their money. Even murder. Case solved.
Johnny
The David Cox case was a real mystery. No doubt David Cox was targeted as this was a personal crime. The killer would have time in this remote location to take money, valuables, ID but Cox still had his credit cards and wallet. This suggests the perpetrator was making a point and was a skilled offender. Cox voicing his opinions on the military and his UPS concerns could be several suspects. I think this may be a crime that never gets solved. A shame David Cox was so young. Probably a real bright future.
consider Scientology
If he was suing for compensation from the movie A Few Good Men than he was trying to get money from scientology they get a piece from all their movie star members projects and they do not let anyone get the money they have they are more like a criminal organization than a church
Will
Where is the truth that I posted?
Will
Cox didn’t stop the hazing. Cpl. Lewis did. He broke into the window. Alvarado was dead in the room. Humans can’t ingest bleach and live. The Col and Sgt Maj were relieved and sent to LeJeune. Col. Jones took over. Boswell was portrayed as the idiot in the movie. I was in boot camp with him. We were in the room next to were it happened. When cpl lewis broke the window they ran like cowards. Alvarado was writing letters about the discrimination on the hill, to his Senator in Texas (where the Col was from). Viewing the room after Lewis broke the window, there was an empty bottle of bleach laying on the floor. He was still duct taped. Cox is a liar. And I don’t remember him. I was a cook and knew most people on Gitmo. His story doesn’t match the facts.Cpl Lewis was a cook and a big black guy. Not a puny white guy. Boswell and another went to prison for Alvarado’s death. How is he alive?
Why Military
I doubt it was the military. What could he have known about the Marines that he did not already tell the public about? I bet it was connected to his UPS job. Military black-bag executions and then leaving the body like that; doesn’t add up to me. Anyone who has seen an action movie can learn to kill “execution style”
Rebecca
He was killed execution style It sounds like the military had a hand in his murder, he was outspoken they silenced him, they feared he would exposed their corruption and conspiracy that took place in the military. So sad it seem this case will not be solved, no closure for this family. Rest in peace David
Johnny
Some good points Rebecca. David was wearing his military jacket. It might of been a military friend from an old unit or a superior he trusted. It must have been important because he had the back injury. Don’t think this will be solved with the military and the possible UPS involvement. Could be dozens of suspects.
Morgan
Absolutely Rebecca I believe the same exact thing and so do other ppl in and out the military no one go into the wood’s with a stranger..A military gear on no way..vry sad story..
pvt.donald l.douglas
conspiracy that’s place in the military ,alls true because I kill a man a order and I told to kept my mouth shut about it