The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • Page 98

LOS ANGELES TIMES B5 OC MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1990 ORANGE COUNTY r- juMrtwi uhl CONTROL YOUR FUTURE MYSTERY: Marine's Death Consumes Parents DALE CARNEGIE SALES COURSE YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF FAMILY Develop modern professional selling skills Soil eosier Overcome objections effectively Gain recognition Develop effective organization Increase your sales I ROBERT KING ASSOCATES, INC. DoorNighl I I -4767 January Clan Now forming ADS-78-t2- HOLIDAY 4S CHEDULE DAILY Dece mm2 6 Tanuarv 6th 00 a.m. Depart Depart 0 p.m. 1987, Digman "exhibited obsessive possessiveness toward his house and possessions," according to an advance copy of the judge advocate general's report. His penchant for neatness was so strong, several friends told investigators, that he didn't like them to put glasses on his coffee table.

In sworn testimony, Wood told NIS investigators that his housemate potentially needed professional help because "he was going through life with too much stress." According to the JAG report, dated Aug. 8, 1989, Wood "worried about ruining Capt. Digman's career if he turned him in for substance abuse or that, even if he did turn him in, it would cause Capt. Digman to commit suicide." But reached by telephone, Wood told The Times that Digman did not have a drinking problem nor did he appear suicidal or depressed. "There wasn't any time I felt he was suicidal," Wood said.

"I am not a doctor." On the day Digman was found was shocked when first told that Digman had killed himself. "Capt. Digman was extremely well-liked," Crutchfield said. "I said, The surprise was shared by many. Not only because it was Digman, who seemed to have so much going for him, but because suicide is not the Marine way, Crutchfield said.

"We learn never to give up no matter how hard the going gets. It's the way we are designed if you will," he said. "Suicide goes against every little fiber in a Marine." But a darker side of Digman also surfaces. Frequently, Digman drank himself to sleep, said girlfriend Jema Riddle, a 34-year-old San Diego resident. "What worried me was he was drinking too much," she said.

Painfully shy, Digman was very qujet in social situations, according to Riddle and investigative reports. He liked to leave work, run, watch television, and go to sleep at about 9 p.m. Digman lied and told Riddle and several others that he had graduated from Stanford University. After he and Maj. Wood purchased a house together in June, Continued from B4 tal will be reviewed by Froede.

Earlier this month, the Digmans sued the Navy, Marine Corps and Digman's supervising officer Maj. Douglas K. Wood in U.S. District Court for wrongful death, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to falsify an official government investigation. The Digmans have asked for reimbursement of attorney fees, as well as $5 million in damages for loss of companionship, love and family stability, and $25 million in punitive damages to ensure that proper training and accountability are established to prevent cases of suicide in the Navy and Marine Corps.

"Jeffrey is either a victim of neglect of the Marine Corps or a victim of someone shooting him," William Digman said. "I don't care what it costs or how long it takes the truth is there somewhere and we will find it." Jeffrey Digman's life" was as enigmatic as his death. A double-portrait of Digman emerges from the hundreds of pages of investigators' materials, including those from a private detective as well as those from the Marine Corps. While he served as a substance abuse control officer, who counseled others on drugs and alcohol, he himself was found dead with a blood alcohol level of .24. (California law forbids anyone to drive who tests with a 0.08 level or higher.) The young captain, who rarely pounded down drinks publicly, drank heavily in his bedroom, said friends.

While touted as a young man with a bright future, he was also nicknamed "Dr. Gloom." In evaluation reports, Digman is touted as conscientious, honest, hard-working, intelligent, sincere, loyal, resourceful and tireless. Only three months before his death, his supervisor, Maj. Wood, commanding officer of Support Company (which has since been deactivated) at MCRD, wrote that his executive officer Digman "has proven to be highly effective in all his responsibilities," adding that "he has a bright future in the Marine Corps and he is someone I would seek to work with again." Digman, who sported a buzz cut from the age of 4, had been a Marine almost nine years at the time of his death. After graduating from Cypress High School, Digman attended San Jose State University.

For years, Digman was a devoted runner, usually jogging 10 miles a day. A painstakingly meticulous man, he kept his maroon 1964 Mustang and bright red 1983 Ca-maro polished and in perfect working shape though he did not drive much, preferring to ride as a passenger. Though quiet, some friends say he seemed happy. Some men who served in Digman's company at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot said he was an inspiring and caring leader. Gunnery Sgt.

Larry Crutchfield said he CATALiXA TLYER CATALINA PASSENGER SERVICE, INC. 400 Main Street Balboa California 92661 dead, Wood had returned with his girlfriend Shari Miller from Las Vegas. Digman had been assigned recently to Puerto Rico and had come to California for a one-week visit. Digman left Puerto Rico in Pleue see MYSTERY, B9 AFTER CMRISTMAS w. 1 JEWELRY I 1 I EXCHANGE I SAVE 40 ON ALL CHRISTMAS MERCMANDl PINNCRWARE GLASS CRYSTAL ORNAMENTS PECORATVe ACCtSSORJES AND MORE.

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