TROUTDALE, Ore. – The family of a Marine from Troutdale who was killed last weekend while in the Washington DC area is preparing to say goodbye.

Authorities are investigating the death of Pfc. Maddison Peterson as a possible homicide after his body was found lying on a highway in Arlington, Va., on Nov. 8.

Peterson's mother, Pam, said her son was staying at a hotel and went for a walk that evening but never returned. His body was on the highway when it was struck by a small sports car; the driver called 911.

Investigators are trying to determine whether another vehicle hit her son first but did not stop or if he is a victim of foul play.

"It had to be something horrific to cause the damage to his body that it did," she said.

Her son had been assigned to a presidential guard unit in the nation's capital. He was stationed at Marine Barracks Washington in Washington DC.

His death came just four days after his 22nd birthday. He was supposed to be in town this weekend.

"Yesterday we were supposed to have a birthday party for him, a big open house, but instead, tomorrow, we're having a funeral," his mother said.

Peterson's family says he was not only a Marine but also a budding model – just being accepted by clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch.

There are two funerals scheduled for Peterson:

• 7 p.m.
  Monday, Nov. 17
  9200 N.E. Fremont St.
  Portland
  (503) 255-2224
• 11 a.m.
  Tuesday, Nov. 18
  2630 E. 18th St
  The Dalles
  (541) 298-5551