The Air Force identified the Airmen killed in a June 1 shooting inside a dormitory at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., as Airman 1st Class Natasha Raye Aposhian, 21, and Airman 1st Class Julian Carlos Torres, 20. Both were assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing.
Aposhian’s parents told Stars and Stripes their daughter was a victim of domestic violence. The Air Force declined to confirm details of the case, citing an ongoing investigation, but said Torres was rushed to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“We’re torn apart by the loss of our daughter to a senseless act of domestic violence,” they wrote in a statement provided to the newspaper. “Natasha had recently joined the Air Force and was just starting to embark on a career serving her country. It’s a tragedy she won’t get to fulfill her hopes and dreams. We ask that you pray for her, our family. And the countless victims of these crimes.”
Aposhian, an Arizona native, was assigned to the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron as an aircraft parts store apprentice. She had just arrived at Grand Forks in April. Torres was an installation entry controller and an internal security response team member for the 319th Security Forces Squadron. Grand Forks also was his first duty assignment, having arrived in December 2019.
“Immediately after the incident, 21 Airmen were moved out of the affected dormitory. The disaster mental health team, an emergency response service, was mobilized to provide support for Airmen in the dormitory as well as everyone else who may be affected by this tragic event,” according to a USAF release.
Col. Cameron Pringle, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, called the incident “heartbreaking.”
“I cannot begin to express the sorrow and pain I feel on behalf of these units and the families affected by this tragedy,” Pringle said in the release. “We are focused on caring for the Airmen and families affected by this, now is the time to redouble our efforts on reconnecting.”
Anyone who needs assistance can call 701-747-4460 to speak with a mental health professional. The Chaplain Corps also can be reached at 701-747-5673 during duty hours or at 701-747-6711 after hours, according to the release.
“With the recent event on base, please be assured that your Chaplain Corps is here to support you,” said Capt. Juan Reyes, 319th Reconnaissance Wing chaplain. “If you need a listening ear, or someone to walk with you, we are here for you. To the Warriors of the North, please know that you are always on our hearts, in our prayers, and loved.”