Following the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, the military, reports that a person of interest has been apprehended.
The body of a 23-year-old sergeant was discovered inside a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and the Army is looking into her death as a homicide.
U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood posted an update on social media Thursday, stating that a person of interest has been arrested in connection with Sgt. Sarah Roque’s death.
In a news release, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and commanding general of Fort Leonard Wood stated, “Sergeant Roque was a soldier, friend, sister, and daughter who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably.”
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After her family and chain of command failed to get in touch with Roque, 23, she was initially reported missing on Monday.
The body of the 23-year-old was discovered in the dumpster close to the quarters for unmarried soldiers, the base said on Tuesday. Neither the cause of death nor the identity of the person who discovered her body were disclosed by officials.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform the Fort Leonard Wood community that our missing Soldier, Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, has been found deceased,” they posted on Facebook.
According to a news statement from the base, Roque, from Ligonier, Indiana, worked as a mine dog handler and bridge crew member with the 5th Engineer Battalion’s K-9 detachment.
In 2020, she joined the military and went to Fort Leonard Wood for basic training. The Army Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal were among her honours and medals.
Beck said there was a “tremendous void” in their team after her passing.
“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team is deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow Soldiers of Sergeant Roque,” Beck stated.
“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” he stated. “Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.”
The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division is still investigating the incident.
Fox News Digital has contacted Fort Leonard Wood for comment.
Roque’s passing followed the horrific murder of Army Pfc. Katia Dueñas Aguilar, 23, in her Louisiana home close to Fort Campbell in May.
An autopsy report states that Dueñas sustained 68 stab wounds to her upper body and neck. Her injuries from sharp objects caused the medical examiner to declare her death a homicide.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the family offered a $55,000 reward for any information that could lead the police to the case’s solution.
“This person is a human. This person is Latina. Analuisa Carrillo-Tapia of the LULAC National Military and Veterans Committee stated, “This young woman signed on the dotted line to serve our country.” “We want to know what happened, who did it, and we want the person or people who did it brought to justice.”
