2 Shot at Base; Gunman Kills Self

Two female Marines were shot several times each outside a barracks Sunday by a gunman who then shot himself in the head, base officials said.

The gunman, who apparently had a relationship with one of the women, was taken to Camp Pendleton’s hospital, where he died a short time later, Lt. Kevin Bentley said.

He was a former Marine who had been stationed here until his recent discharge from the service. His name was being withheld until relatives could be notified, officials said.

Both women initially were taken to the base hospital, but subsequently were transferred by helicopter to civilian hospitals. Neither was identified pending the notification of relatives, Bentley said.

One victim was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where she was listed in critical condition. The other was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido. Camp Pendleton officials said her condition was unknown late Sunday, and phone calls to the hospital went unanswered.