Staff Sergeant Rebecca Becky Padgett, 34, a Human Resources Specialist and Observer Coach/Trainer on the Panther Team at Fort Irwin, California, was found dead at her home on December 1, 2020. Medical personnel had treated her husband, Ervin Padgett, the day before, and Fort Irwin Military Police discovered her body during a welfare check. Investigators reported an apparent gunshot wound.

San Bernardino County detectives and Fort Irwin Military Police named 37-year-old Ervin Padgett as the primary suspect. He was arrested in Las Vegas on December 2, 2020, after being discharged from a hospital; details about why he was hospitalized were not released. On December 8, 2020, local prosecutors charged him with Rebecca Padgett’s murder and he was extradited to San Bernardino County.

Detectives continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses, and authorities asked anyone with information to contact Detective David Carpenter or submit an anonymous tip through the WeTip hotline. If anyone knew Rebecca or has information about what happened, please come forward.