BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A local soldier and Stockdale High graduate was killed in an ambush in Mosul, Iraq.

Sgt. Benjamin Brian Portell, 27, died from injuries he received in a battle with insurgents on Wednesday. He is one of three brothers who have served in Iraq.

According to the family’s pastor, Portell was on patrol in Mosul on Wednesday when his unit was ambushed. Portell and another soldier were fatally wounded by small arms fire.

Four other soldiers were injured in the fight.

Portell’s older brother Mike, also in Iraq, is now coming home. Their younger brother, Jeff, also served in Iraq.

Pastor Brian Murphy from Riverlakes Community Church said he believes Portell was starting his second tour in Iraq and hadn't been in the country very long. Murphy said, “He grew up in youth ministry. I think church family just hearing about it, grieving over loss, certainly upholding family in prayer, now and days ahead.”

Portell was married last May to his wife Michelle. She is coming to Bakersfield from New York.

The family is waiting for the military to release his body.

A funeral will be held for Portell at Riverlakes Church on Friday, Jan. 4.