Ciara Durkin's Death Still Under Investigation

The Globe published a long piece about the mystery still surrounding Army specialist Ciara Durkin's death in Afghanistan in late September. Durkin, who was from Quincy, was shot in the head, although the Army called it a "non-combat-related incident."

Her family is not satisfied with that explanation, and the Globe report provides evidence that someone on the base may have had it out for Durkin. In one event, Durkin wrote an e-mail saying, "Ok. so today a crazy soldier pulled a 9mm on me . . . don't go telling people. . . . he's in jail and i'm doing better. TTYL."

Also, when Durkin was home visiting,

Durkin told several people that she had uncovered some things that had made her some "enemies," although she did not say exactly what. Durkin, an information technology specialist whose unit worked with finance and commercial contractors, said that if something happened to her, "We should come and investigate," said Dawn Hurley, a close friend of Durkin's.

It's entirely possible that Durkin could have uncovered something she wasn't supposed to know. She dealt with finance matters on the base. Or, someone may not have liked her because she was gay.

The family might find out some information soon. They were told that the bullet was fired in Durkin's mouth, but there's no evidence she was suicidal. The Globe noted that Senator John Kerry has paid for an independent autopsy.

Photo from the AP.