Theres something wrong, Wedel told the military publication. Her car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day, a CID news release said. An investigation is underway and police say foul play is not suspected. [9] In early June, Guilln's mother told reporters she did not trust the Army's handling of the investigation and her attorney, Natalie Khawam,[17] said she believed the family was "being kept in the dark"[16] because few details had been released regarding the disappearance. Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. Specialist Guillen was reported missing from Fort Hood in April 2020, and her remains were found on June 30, 2020. The Black Knight family is heartbroken by the loss of Specialist Francisco Hernandezvargas. !Guillen", "Killeen Woman Faces Federal Charge in Connection with the Disappearance of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen", "Reward for missing soldier Vanessa Guillen grows to over $50,000 after Latino group and rapper add to it", "Reward for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen doubles to $50,000", "Hundreds rally to seek answers for missing soldier Pfc. So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. Aton, 22, died of his injuries Aug. 12 after he was hit by a car as he provided assistance at the scene of an accident in Killeen, the Military Times reported. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed in Fort Hood before murder: Army FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. The first notable murder in Fort Bragg was by Jeffrey R. Macdonald. Her disappearance nonetheless prompted multiple investigations into sexual harassment on the base, as well as calls for a congressional probe into the way her disappearance and death were handled. Maxwell Hockin, who was assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. Wedel last spoke to her son Aug. 19, 2019, when he called her asking for gas money, she told the Post. Two more who had separated from. In August of this year, Natalie Khawam, a lawyer for the Guillen family, filed a $35 million lawsuit against the United States Army for sexual assault and the wrongful death of Specialist Guillen, Ms. Khawam said. Chee, 25, died Aug. 30 after collapsing during a training exercise two days before, Army officials said. Four people, including the gunman, were killed while 14 additional people were injured; 12 by gunshot wounds. Vanessa Guillen & Aaron Robinson: 5 Fast Facts | Heavy.com At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or died this year Ritter is of course heavily censored on mainstream platforms and is widely condemned by officials in the US government, including those in the State Dept. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell's family during this difficult time.". An independent panel concluded last December that Fort Hood leaders did not properly address high rates of sex assault, harassment and drug use at the base, and that Army investigators were understaffed and inexperienced. According to Fox 7, police and firefighters found that the passenger seat in the soldiers Jeep was reclined all the way. No further details surrounding his death have been released. Vanessa Guillen's Remains Identified: What We Know So Far | Time Specialist Shelby Jones was a highly valued member of the Brave Rifles team, and his loss is profoundly felt by all of his friends and fellow troopers in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, regiment commander Col. Ralph Overland said. No further details have been released. In her statement to detectives, Falcon said Olivares had talked about selling the gun and about a possible robbery of Rosecrans because Olivares wanted more than Rosecrans was wanting to give.. Vanessa Guillen", "Foul play suspected in Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen's disappearance", "Vanessa Guillen search: Lawmaker suspects foul play in the disappearance of Texas soldier", "Fort Hood says they have found no connection with sexual harassment and Guillen's disappearance", "Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosts virtual update on Vanessa Guilln case", "She 'never made it out of the Army alive': Affidavit details killing of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen", "Remains of missing soldier Vanessa Guilln identified by Army, family says", "Vanessa Guillen killed with hammer and her body mutilated, affidavit says", "New court documents in Vanessa Guillen's case reveal possible motive for murder", "Public's Help Sought in Locating Fort Hood Soldier", "Army Senior Leaders Update Reporters on U.S. Army Response to COVID-19", https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/politics/vanessa-guillen-family-donald-trump/index.htmlM, "Army punishes 14 senior officers after murder and other deaths at Fort Hood", "Texas woman pleads guilty to role in Vanessa Guillen's death", "Houston artists pay tribute to Vanessa Guillen", "New mural pays tribute to Vanessa Guillen in her neighborhood", "Mayor Turner honors Vanessa Guillen with visit to mural", "Fort Hood unveils gate and plaque honoring Vanessa Guilln", "Fort Hood names gate after slain Spc. Atons awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. are assisting Somali soldiers fighting Al Shabab, and by a health care system that utterly failed him, The case has irritated U.S. relations with a crucial military ally. Fort Hood Restricts Base Access After Shooting Incident Vanessa Guillen murder: Demonstrators carry a banner demanding justice for slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen during the Black and Brown Unity March July 12, 2020, in Los Angeles. [3] Upon hearing about the discovery, Robinson fled Fort Hood and fatally shot himself when law enforcement attempted to apprehend him in nearby Killeen, Texas. Fort Hood soldier found dead behind barracks, investigation underway 2021, in Washington. [14], On May 24, 2022 the Texas Department of Public Safety released a report stating that "Aguilar later explained why Robinson killed Guillen, saying Guillen saw Robinson's cellphone lock screen, which contained a picture of Aguilar. Killeen police officials said that Jones had been shot at Club Dreams, a strip club about a half-mile from the store. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Jun 14, 2021. Gregory Morales Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. A woman who was the only person charged in the 2020 killing pleaded guilty on Tuesday to four counts including accessory to murder after the fact. Army major kills 13 people in Fort Hood shooting spree - HISTORY What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. A First Cavalry Division sergeant who shot and killed a protester in July 2020 at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin is free on bond after he was indicted Thursday for murder and aggravated . A witness told investigators that Specialist Guillen left the arms room where she had been working and went to the arms room controlled by Specialist Robinson to confirm serial numbers for weapons and equipment, the complaint said. "He had an outstanding work ethic, was a mentor to his peers, and was always willing to help out the team. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. We send our most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Private Hogan. Los Angeles Friday 15 October 2021 12:06 Comments Army investigating after 26-year-old Maxwell Hockin found dead at Fort Hood barracks (US Army) The US army has launched an investigation. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. When Specialist Guillen disappeared, Ms. Aguilar, 22 at the time, was living with Specialist Robinson, according to the complaint. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. [13] The case was investigated under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with local law enforcement agencies in Bell County, Killeen, and Belton; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; the United States Marshals Service; and the Texas Ranger Division in support. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Christopher Sawyer and the loved ones most closely affected by this tragedy. KIRO 7 News Seattle facebook feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle twitter feed(Opens a new window), KIRO 7 News Seattle youtube feed(Opens a new window), Fort Hood officials said in a news release, Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, vanished after a night out with friends in Killeen, a news release from the police department said, was the third to involve soldiers within a month, regiment commander Col. Ralph Overland said, Missing Pennsylvania woman found alive after more than 30 years, Multiple western Washington residents indicted in connection to coast-to-coast drug ring, Woman arrested after attempting to inject heroin during traffic stop, deputies say, Powerball jackpot winner identified as longtime Boeing employee, Thieves lose ATM ripped out of Lakewood credit union. It is unclear what started the altercation. The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of PVT Mejhor Morta, Armstrong said in a news release. [5] Investigators theorized that the remains, previously buried under concrete, had been dug up by wildlife. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. Prosecutors said in court documents that she initially lied to investigators about what she knew but on June 30 confessed to playing a role in the disposal of Specialist Guillens body. [42], On July10, 2020, the Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy announced that he would order a "full independent review" of Guilln's case. Police reopen case into Fort Hood soldier's death - Spectrum News [40], Guilln's family called for justice and improvement of the way claims of sexual harassment are handled by the military. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. My sisters a human being. Army enacts changes on sex assault response - Army Times Before Guilln went missing, she had told her family that she was being sexually harassed by an unnamed sergeant at Fort Hood,[15] and that complaints by other female soldiers made against the sergeant had been dismissed. Family of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln seeking $35 million 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, The Army is scrapping Fort Hood name here's who it will be renamed for, Family of slain Texas soldier seeking $35 million in damages, Army vet gets 18 months for stealing $2.1M in military gear from Texas base, Fort Hood soldier reported missing has been found safe, highest number of soldier murders and sexual assault cases, after collapsing during a training exercise. According to Fox 7, authorities found messages between Olivares and another person regarding trading the weapon. [18] On June13, 2020, hundreds of people assembled at the gates of Fort Hood to protest what organizers felt was a lack of information on the case. From Texas Standard: Last year's murder of Pfc. In one of those two cases, the person charged with murder was an active-duty soldier based at Fort Hood. Murder of Vanessa Guilln - Wikipedia Fernandes, a native of the Republic of Cabo Verde, is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade, authorities said. Fox News Media; . Drugs suspected in case of two Fort Bragg soldiers found dead in barracks We've received your submission. "The entire Saber family is devastated by the loss of our true teammate and friend Specialist Maxwell Hockin," Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, commander, 91st Engineer Battalion, said in a statement Wednesday. Here are some of the tragic deaths that have plagued the base in recent months: Hogan, 19, and Peak Jr., 21, were both killed in a crash just north of Georgetown on Feb. 1, CBS Austin reported. Elder Fernandes Army Sgt. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. A string of suicides, homicides, fatal accidents and criminal behavior has left residents at. On June 30, Fort Hood officials announced that partial human remains were found close to Leon River in Bell County, Texas. FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, has approved and taken action on the investigation conducted by Gen. John Murray, commanding general of. Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Crime Stoppers website or at cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. According to court documents, from April 22, 2020 through July 1, 2020, Aguilar assisted Army Specialist Aaron Robinson in corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating and concealing evidence that is, the body of Vanessa Guillen in order to prevent Robinson from being charged with and prosecuted for any crime, said a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Fort Hood officials said in an update Sunday that "Sewell's family confirmed she is safe and with extended family." Rosecrans, 27, was found dead from gunshot wounds May 18 on the side of the road in Harker Heights, Texas three miles away from where his Jeep was discovered engulfed in flames. Commentary: Joe Biden's Domestic Terrorism Backstory (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) . Army CID officials said foul play was not suspected in Sawyers death but that an investigation was being conducted. His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Lightning Brigade and our Army, said Col. Ethan Hall, commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest regrets to the family and loved ones of PFC Brandon Rosecrans, Col. Kevin Capra, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, said in a May 20 statement. Hundreds of people gathered to honour Guilln and other victims of sexual violence and mistreatment within the military. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 The investigation found major flaws at Fort Hood and a command climate that was permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault, said Mr. McCarthy. Vanessa Guillen An federal affidavit filed July 2, 2020, details the killing and dismemberment of Army SPC Vanessa Guillen, far left, by fellow soldier SPC Aaron Robinson, center, and his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar. His skeletal remains were found June 19, 2020, in a Killeen field about four miles from the base, and authorities say foul play was involved in his death. Confession over murder of Army Spc. Vanessa Guilln upheld - AOL Olivares then told detectives he killed Rosecrans because the soldier tried to rape Falcon, the news station reported. Authorities said Olivares story kept changing as he told detectives hed left Rosecrans alive near his Jeep, then told them another man had shot the soldier on a trip back from San Antonio. FORT HOOD, Texas Fort Hood appears to be on the cusp of yet another tragedy as authorities search for the latest Army soldier to go missing from the base. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Hockin. Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22, 2020, in the parking lot of her squadrons headquarters at Fort Hood. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Vanessa Guillen was murdered in April 2020, bludgeoned to death with a hammer in an arms room, U.S. Army investigation released in April. I was kind of ignored.. The body of Morta, 26, was discovered July 17 after he was believed to have drowned in Stillhouse Hollow Lake, about 15 miles from the base. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, Texas, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the May 18, 2020, shooting death of PFC Brandon Rosecrans, 27, of Fort Hood. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. His body was removed from the Jeep and left on the side of the road. Ms. Aguilar pleaded guilty on Nov. 29 to one count of accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of false statement or representation. His death is being investigated as a homicide. He has black hair and brown eyes. A makeshift memorial for U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen at Power House Gym in Houston in August 2020. His skeletal remains were found June 19, 2020, in a Killeen field about four miles from the base, and authorities say foul play was involved in his death. The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. Burned pieces of the case were found near the burial site along the Leon River. KCEN-TV in Temple reported that family members have been meeting with Army officials daily as the search for Fernandes continues. Body of 3rd Fort Hood soldier found near base in less than month Body of 3rd Fort Hood soldier found near base in less than month (NCD). Mark Felix/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. Fernandes and any other ongoing cases at Fort Hood.. Aaron Robinson was the suspect in the murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood. Sewell is the latest soldier to disappear from the base after a series of soldiers disappeared in the past few years. [6] On November 29, 2022 Aguilar plead guilty to accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of making a false statement.[7]. The command wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Specialist Jakob Aton, and all who have been affected by this tragic accident. Stars and Stripes November 12, 2021 Fort Hood soldier Cpl. The report found that a breakdown in communication between his unit and criminal investigation agents allowed him to escape. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. [13] Guilln's mother advised her to report the matter, but she responded that "she could put a stop to it herself"[16] out of fear that her mother would be harmed for making a report. April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. On April 24, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command posted a news release asking for the publics help in finding her. At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or . His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Last year, at least 39. [23] According to a criminal complaint filed in the Western District Court of Texas, Aguilar allegedly helped Robinson dismember and dispose of Guilln's body on April22, 2020, after Robinson told her he had bludgeoned Guilln to death with a hammer inside the armory. Fort Hood soldier found dead behind company barracks - ABC13 Houston