16-year-old soldier charged with the death of a Fort Drum corporal found by gunshot, buried in snow

An Army soldier and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with the murder of Hayden Harris, a corporal in Fort Drum, New York, who was found dead in New Jersey.

Jamaal Mellish, 23, and the unidentified teenager face murder, kidnapping and second degree weapons charges, according to the Sussex County District Attorney’s Office.

Mellish was also charged with suppressing third degree evidence.

Harris, 20, was found shot dead and buried in snow in a wooded area in Byram Township on December 19. Shortly before his death, Harris had been reported missing.

Firefighters discovered the body after seeing debris and blood along a road during an annual Santa Claus ride.

“The top of the snow was stained with what appeared to be blood,” the police department said in a statement. “During a search of the disturbed area in the snow, the victim’s body was found about 200 meters away in the wooded area, mainly buried under the snow.

Investigators said Mellish was supposed to trade in a Ford Mustang with Harris for a Chevy pickup truck. The two had previously had a transaction, police said.

Authorities believe Mellish “kidnapped” Harris during the scheduled vehicle swap, according to a Sussex County Assistant District Attorney.

Mellish is being held by the military in New York pending his extradition to New Jersey. It is not clear if he has a lawyer.

The teenager is being held in a juvenile detention center. Byram police and the DA’s office did not say how the teen was allegedly involved.

Harris, an infantryman with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, joined the Army in March 2019. The Tennessee native was posthumously promoted to corporal and received the Army Recognition Medal, which honors soldiers for their heroic deed, their achievements or their service.

He has also won several awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the World War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

“It was well known here that Corporal Harris was a great soldier, and as we share our grief with his friends and family I hear again and again how he was also – and most importantly – a truly wonderful and caring person.” Brigadier Gen. Brett Funck, acting senior commander of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, said in a statement.