"We do this to honor him:" Body of murdered Rock County Marine returns to Wisconsin

Marine’s remains return home to WI

Marine's remains return home to WI

Body of Ethan Barclay-Weberpal returns to Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE -- The body of a Marine who was murdered on the base at Camp Pendleton in California returns to his home Wisconsin. An honorary escort traveled from General Mitchell International Airport all the way to Janesville Friday, January 26th.

As the plane landed at the airport Friday, police officers, deputies, firefighters and military members waited to welcome home the body of private first class 18-year-old Ethan Barclay-Weberpal, for the final time. The Marine received full honors as he was loaded into an awaiting procession.

Ethan Barclay-Weberpal

Body of Ethan Barclay-Weberpal returns to Wisconsin

Jim Unrun

"We do this to honor them. To show our support for the family," said Jim Unrun, Patriot Guard.

Among those showing their respect was Jim Unrun, of the Patriot Guard Riders.

"It's a sad, tragic event when we have to be out here," said Unrun.

Private first class Barclay-Weberpal was not killed overseas, but tragically on home soil. Investigators say the teen was fatally stabbed by a fellow Marine in California on January 16th. The suspect is now in Military custody.

Body of Ethan Barclay-Weberpal returns to Wisconsin

"We have to support the one percent of the population that protect the other 99 and it is truly our honor to do this," said Unrun.

Friday, law enforcement from across southeast Wisconsin, escorted the fallen Marine from General Mitchell International Airport to a funeral home in Janesville, where Barclay-Weberpal grew up.

Body of Ethan Barclay-Weberpal returns to Wisconsin

Along the route, firefighters and police officers lit overpasses with flashing lights as strangers paused to pay tribute to a person they had never met yet stopped to honor a young man who was willing to protect us all.

Barclay-Weberpal only joined the Marines last summer. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 28th in Janesville. The funeral is Monday, January 29th.

Body of Ethan Barclay-Weberpal returns to Wisconsin