Two Airmen Admit To Lying In Investigation Of Lovan's Death

Two Airmen stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base plead guilty this week to giving false statements to investigator looking into the July 20 death of Airman Brayden Lovan.

The pleas were entered in summary courts-martial on Oct. 30 and 31.

That's according to a news release from the 90th Missile Wing.

Airman 1st Class Sarbjot Badesha and A1C Matthew Rodriguez admitted to seeing A1C Marcus White-Allen pull his M18 duty issued handgun from his holster and point it at Lovan's chest in an apparent joke. Both men said they then heard the gun go off and saw Lovan fall to the ground after previously lying to investigators

Airmen Were Told To Lie To Investigators

According to the release "According to their pleas, in the immediate aftermath of the incident, White-Allen told Badesha, “Here’s the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk, and it went off.” Additionally, White-Allen told Rodriguez to tell the responding emergency personnel, White-Allen’s “holster went off.” Neither Airman reported that information to investigators during their initial witness interviews on Jul. 20, 2025. The false statements from both Airmen hindered law enforcement efforts, leading investigators to initially believe Lovan’s death was a result of an accidental discharge from White-Allen’s M18"

Badesha was sentenced to 30 days in confinement, reduction to E-1, and forfeiture of $1,545, and Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days confinement, 15 days restriction to base, reduction to E-2, and forfeiture of $500

Air Force investigators investigating the incident found that White-Allen had his finger on the trigger as he put it to Lovan's chest.

White-Allen was found dead in his dorm room on October 8, and legal proceedings were ended. However, the investigation into White-Allen's death remains open

. “We are fully dedicated to supporting the families and individuals affected by these tragic events,” said Col. Terry Holmes, 90th Missile Wing commander. “Our focus is on ensuring that justice is served and that every aspect of this case is thoroughly examined.”