fort hood murders 2021
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. [14] Multiple Fort Hood units, including 3CR, began searching the area within two weeks of her disappearance. 6 min read. Fort Hood officials said Sunday in a statement that finding Fernandes safe remains the 1st Cavalry Divisions top priority. Burned pieces of the case were found near the burial site along the Leon River. [3][4][5], Cecily Aguilar, a local woman identified by authorities as Robinson's girlfriend, was taken into custody and is alleged to have assisted him in dismembering and burying Guilln's body. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Army investigators detained Specialist Robinson in the killing of Specialist Guillen just hours after her remains were found, but a series of missteps allowed him to flee, then fatally shoot himself, according to an Army report released on April 30, 2021. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Wednesday, Fort Hood officials said they do not suspect foul play in the death of Spc. The military judge sentenced the accused to. 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). Command Sgt. THE MURDERS AT FORT HOOD | Vanity Fair | July/August 2021 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. Within hours of Sgt. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his. By Johnny Diaz,Maria Cramer and Christina Morales. Theres something wrong, Wedel told the military publication. Fort Hood: What we know about 12 soldiers missing, slain or killed in The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. Vanessa mysteriously disappeared on April 22, 2020, according to The New York Times. Police officials said the investigation determined that Rosecrans and Olivares were traveling together in the soldiers Jeep when Rosecrans was killed. Army disciplines 21 at Fort Hood in probe of soldier's death - Yahoo News Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed in Fort Hood before murder: Army The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. 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. Fort Hood identifies soldier found dead behind company barracks - KLTV Maxwell Hockin. They used that to buy the gas to burn his car, Berg said. (Bell County Jail). His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. The probe, led by Gen. John Murray, head of Army Futures Command, concluded that Guilln had been sexually harassed by another soldier, who authorities said was among those sanctioned. Four people, including the gunman, were killed while 14 additional people were injured; 12 by gunshot wounds. They just assumed the worst and let it go., Gregory Morales Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. They used my sons phone after they killed him to ask his friends for money for gas, Berg said. FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Army is putting a civilian in charge of its criminal investigations, adding staff and freeing up more agents to work on cases, in a plan to address widespread failures. The sergeants identification was found with the body. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. With the commanding generals oversight, the unit reached out to every unit across Fort Hood, providing a photograph, and asking them to report any sightings or information. He was an important member of the battalion scout platoon and the battalion and his loss is deeply felt.. Investigators who searched her phone found that the last person she texted was Specialist Robinson. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. The skeletal remains of Morales, 24, were found June 21 in a field near the base in Killeen, about 10 months after he was last seen. Commentary: Joe Biden's Domestic Terrorism Backstory Vanessa Guillen", "Houston post office will soon be renamed after Vanessa Guilln", "Proposed Vanessa Guilln law would transform military's sexual misconduct inquiries", "Army secretary pledges "full, independent review" in Vanessa Guillen case", "Trump meets with family of Vanessa Guillen and pledges to help", "Fort Hood: Soldiers fired and suspended after Vanessa Guillen probe", "14 Fort Hood leaders disciplined as probe finds 'permissive environment for sexual assault' at the Army base", "Secretary McCarthy holds Fort Hood Leaders Accountable, Announces New Investigations", "14 fired or suspended following Fort Hood investigation into Vanessa Guilln's death", "New general takes command of Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division after investigation clears former commander of wrongdoing", "Executive Order, 2022 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial", US Army crowdsources ideas to combat sexual assault crisis By SARAH BLAKE MORGAN February 26, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Vanessa_Guilln&oldid=1140257098, Cover-up of Aguilar's adulterous relationship with Robinson, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 06:32. No foul play was suspected. This story has been shared 108,209 times. Family of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln seeking $35 million Our thoughts and prayers go out to them in this trying time. Unfortunately, we will probably never have the real answer or the real truth. FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. His death is under investigation but foul play is not suspected. On June 30, Fort Hood officials announced that partial human remains were found close to Leon River in Bell County, Texas. Eight senior commanders were fired but no criminal charges were brought against any of the soldiers as a result of the investigation, military leaders said. We are deeply saddened by the loss of any member of our IRONHORSE team and we will mourn this loss as an organization, said Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 Specialist Guillen was reported missing on April 23, 2020. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Guilln was stationed at Fort Hood, a U.S. Army installation in Bell County, Texas, which is approximately 340 square miles (880km2) in size and home to III Corps and the First Cavalry Division. Last week, there were concerns for Pfc. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. Ofelia Miramontez, a spokesperson for the Killeen Police Department, said the case has been exceptionally cleared, which she said means elements beyond the control of investigators have prevented the arrest and indictment of a suspect. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. (Eric Gay/AP) Grinston, along with other Army . Prosecutors declined to tell Stars and Stripes why the grand jury failed to indict. By Marlene Lenthang October 13, 2021, 9:15 AM 2:25 On Location: February 24, 2023 Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. The deadly collision occurred when, for unknown reasons, their car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck another vehicle, authorities said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. In 2014, five years after Hasans killing rampage, Iraq War veteran and Army veteran SPC Ivan Lopez opened fire on the base, killing three soldiers and injuring another 16 before killing himself. When Specialist Guillen disappeared, Ms. Aguilar, 22 at the time, was living with Specialist Robinson, according to the complaint. Guillen was believed to have been bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow soldier, Spc. Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being sexually harassed twice before she was killed The investigation did not find evidence that Guilln's alleged killer had. His awards and decorations include two Army Accommodation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Twenty-eight soldiers died at the base in 2020 from homicides, suicides and accidents. (U.S. Army), Information gathered from fellow soldiers indicates Sgt. "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. According to Army officials, that was also the last day he was seen alive, driving his black 2018 Kia Rio off-base in Killeen. The Black Knight family is heartbroken by the loss of Specialist Francisco Hernandezvargas. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. Authorities initially said Guillen, 20, of Houston, had last been seen in the parking lot of the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters. Spc. Specialist Aton was a professional, committed to the mission. People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable, Army officials said. The Army announced that. At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or . Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. 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. Wedel told Army Times that her family was told he was an adult and there was no proof anything bad had happened to him. Ms. Aguilar told investigators that Specialist Robinson had picked her up late on April 22 or early on April 23 at the gas station where she worked. Hogan, of Campton, New Hampshire, entered the Army in June 2019 as a cavalry scout. We've received your submission. Here's what we know about 8 of the soldiers who died this year at Fort Elder Fernandes was reported missing nearly one year to the day after the Aug. 20, 2019, disappearance of Morales. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. He was truly remarkable, and this loss hurts all of us.. Commentary: The History of Jim Crow Laws Shows Modern Comparisons Are An investigation is ongoing and authorities suspect foul play. He was a patriot who volunteered to serve our great country and we will always be grateful for his steadfast dedication to family, friends and fellow Soldiers. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. Vanessa Guillen: More charges filed against alleged accomplice in Fort Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, a spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division, told NBC News on Saturday that Fernandes had reported improper sexual contact to his superiors. April 2 shooting incident on Fort Hood leaves four dead, 16 wounded Aton entered the Army in March 2018 as an Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer and had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade since August 2018, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. [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. Jones, 20, of Jena, Louisiana, was found suffering from a gunshot wound shortly after 3 a.m. March 1 at a convenience store in Killeen. Thanks for contacting us. Washington CNN The Army announced Tuesday that 14 senior officers will be punished following a probe that was initiated after the murder of a soldier and several other deaths at the Army's. Marshals and Killeen police officers closed in on a suspect, the man, an active duty junior soldier, turned a gun on himself and pulled the trigger. Guillen, whose disappearance and death made national headlines and prompted multiple investigations of sexual harassment on Fort Hood, vanished April 22 from the base, where she was a small arms and artillery repairer for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. Specialist Guillens case captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures including former President Trump, who met with her family at The White House. Each of us in the battalion are grateful for having known him, and we collectively grieve his loss.. Wedel last spoke to her son Aug. 19, 2019, when he called her asking for gas money, she told the Post. She was last seen around 1:00p.m. on April22, 2020, in the parking lot of her unit, the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3CR). April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. Spc. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Anthonys family and friends. Vanessa Guilln's murder at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, last year exposed a pattern of violence and abuse against soldiers at the U.S. military's largest active-duty . Drugs suspected in case of two Fort Bragg soldiers found dead in barracks The murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by another soldier, Aaron David Robinson. 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. Previous Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across . Inside the Rash of Unexplained Deaths at Fort Hood | Vanity Fair Interest in the case has been recently rekindled by the Netflix documentary I Am Vanessa Guillen, released on Nov. 17, which examines her life and death and follows her familys journey for justice. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. Updated Sep 1, 2020. In December 2020, the Army announced14 senior leaders and enlisted personnel at Fort Hoodwere fired or suspended following an independent panel's review of the command climate and culture at the base. Broadwater was subsequently assigned as deputy commander of V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Hospital fire in India kills more than a dozen COVID-19 pa Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, US home prices just did something they haven't done since 2012, Celeb-loved jewelry brand Dorsey drops dazzling new styles, White Lotus actor jokes about being hit on following shows success, Is this the couple behind the Worst Art Job Listing Ever?, Undertaker transforms coffin into barbecue grill, Tom Sizemore And The Dangerous Burden of Desperation, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. murders, and cases of sexual . A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Roy was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. [26][3] Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Frazier and Greg Gloff are prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas. 2021, in Washington. Army major kills 13 people in Fort Hood shooting spree - HISTORY Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. Sawyer, 29, was found unresponsive at his post residence on March 5, Stars and Stripes reported. Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, III Corps deputy commanding general, said the investigation includes an assessment of whether the command climate is supportive of soldiers reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the identification of any systemic issues with the SHARP program. Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22, 2020, in the parking lot of her squadrons headquarters at Fort Hood. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report released Friday. She pleaded guilty in November and faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. 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. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Despite nearly daily prodding from his family, the Army did little to look for Morales, his loved ones said. [15] On June 23, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, in whose district Guilln's family resides, met with Fort Hood officials to discuss the ongoing search. Athletic, she lifted weights, played soccer, and ran on track and cross-country teams. The Army blamed officials for letting Guillns killer Spc. When they entered the unit, they found Delacruz, Cline and Allred dead. Army enacts changes on sex assault response, investigations and more after Fort Hood scandal. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. Hockin's awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, officials said. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) . . Vanessa Guilln Murder Was One Of Many Deaths, Disappearances On Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Her suspected killer was fellow soldier Spc. Saber's death is among multiple incidents at the Texas base in recent years. Published October 12, 2021 9:28pm EDT. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. Why 'Fatal Attraction' Killer Jennifer Reali Shot Dianne Hood | Crime News His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. The person involved in the proposed trade was not the man Olivares blamed for Rosecrans death. According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. Aaron David Robinson, who later killed himself. Prosecutors announced a charge in the case on July 2, 2020, detailing accusations that Specialist Guillen was killed by another soldier who then tried to dispose of her remains. Fernandes disappearance, soldiers from his unit on Fort Hood initiated a thorough search for him, both on and off post, which will continue until he is located, the statement said. Fort Hood officials said at a news conference that investigators had been unable to corroborate those claims. Cellphone data, video and eyewitness statements put the two men together in the area of the slaying. Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 06:32, Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation, United States Attorney's Office Western District of Texas, "Grand jury indicts Cecily Aguilar on 11 counts in Vanessa Guillen murder trial", "Vanessa Guillen bludgeoned to death by fellow soldier, attorney says; suspect ID'd as Calumet City man", "Civilian charged in plot to dismember and hide remains of murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen", "Pfc. The People First Task Force briefed reporters Friday on the many changes . Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brothers toy pistol. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. US Army Spc. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. The discovery in 2020 of the dismembered and burned remains of Vanessa Guillen, a Fort Hood soldier who disappeared on April 22, 2020, sparked outrage from central Texas to Washington. Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in Rosecrans murder. The investigation found major flaws at Fort Hood and a command climate that was permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault, said Mr. McCarthy. Report finds a 'failure of leadership' after Fort Hood murder A soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas was found dead over the weekend behind a barracks, according to local media reports. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. The proof is he disappeared. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. After a young mom was gunned down, investigators uncovered a heinous and unholy plot that began at the victim's own home. Chris Swecker, Jonathan Harmon, Carrie Ricci, Queta Rodriguez and Jack White visited Fort Hood for 19 days between August and September and conducted 80 group interviews, which encompassed over . And I want justice, and I want answers.. SPC Aaron David Robinson, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene on a street in Killeen. The military failed him by not looking, Wedel told The Washington Post. They are the highest in most cases for sexual assault, harassment, murders, for our entire formation in the U.S. Army, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said during a visit to Fort Hood earlier this month, the military publication reported. Hogan, 19, and Peak, 21, died Feb. 1 from injuries they suffered in a private car crash on Highway 195 in Williamson County. His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. Last year, at least 39. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. (U.S. Army, Bell County Jail). 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. Robinson, 20, was identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Guillen as an attorney for the victims family claimed he also attacked Guillen with a hammer and dismembered her body with a machete. View history The murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by another soldier, Aaron David Robinson. Peak, of Mount Dora, Florida, entered the Army in June 2017 as an ammunition specialist. Army leaders fighting distrust from soldiers at Fort Hood Families want answers. He has black hair and brown eyes. On July2, Bell County officials stated Aguilar would be transferred to federal custody due to being charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence by the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Texas.