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. 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. Aton, 22, of Science Hill, Kentucky, was killed Aug. 12 as he helped at the scene of a minor crash on U.S. Route 190 and Interstate 14 in Killeen. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He had gone to a club and met up with friends that night, his mother said. 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. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. Authorities have said Robinson bludgeoned Guillen to death in an arms room on the base and carried her body away in a heavy-duty plastic case. I always envision myself that something great will happen to me. murders, and cases of sexual . 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 . [2], Aguilar was arrested by Texas Rangers and held at the Bell County Jail. 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. Previous Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across . "[46] Among those disciplined by McCarthy were Major General Scott L. Efflandt, Colonel Ralph Overland and Command Sergeant Major Bradley Knapp. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. Elder Fernandes safe a remains the top priority of the 1st Cavalry Division..We ask him to reach out to his leadership, his family, the local police or a nearby hospital or clinic so we can ensure he receives the care he needs. The woman accused of helping her Fort Hood Army soldier boyfriend dismember and dispose of Spc. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Anthonys family and friends. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Athletic, she lifted weights, played soccer, and ran on track and cross-country teams. A string of suicides, homicides, fatal accidents and criminal behavior has left residents at. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. Ivan Antonio Lopez was identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident, and is. Among the reports findings: Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed, but not by Specialist Robinson, and that he had also been accused of unrelated sexual harassment. President Biden apparently thinks they are synonymous with election integrity. The report found that a breakdown in communication between his unit and criminal investigation agents allowed him to escape. A long-awaited U.S. Army investigation released in April determined she had been sexually harassed by a supervisor, but the incidents of harassment were not related to her murder. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. A total of 10 shell casings were found at the scene, the Herald reported. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the source (of the gunshots), a news release from the department said. Jovino Jamel Roy, who was stationed at the base, news station KWKT reported. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. 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. The Killeen Daily Herald reported that Roy had allegedly used a gun to threaten Wardrobe, who separated from the Army in January. Police officials said the investigation determined that Rosecrans and Olivares were traveling together in the soldiers Jeep when Rosecrans was killed. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? [45] The investigation found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood. Vanessa Guilln's body in Texas last year has failed to get her jailhouse confession thrown out. The Killeen Police Department, which is investigating Delacruz's death alongside CID, said Delacruz was found . Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 A Bell County grand jury declined to indict the suspected gunman in June, the publication reported. by Lloyd Billingsley . Editors note: A body believed to that of Elder Fernandes was found hanging from a tree Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, Texas. PVT Morta was a great trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.. [20] The authorities said that more than 300 interviews and over 10,000 hours were spent investigating Guilln's disappearance. According to Fox 7, police and firefighters found that the passenger seat in the soldiers Jeep was reclined all the way. 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. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported that Aton was standing in the roadway, directing traffic around the involved vehicles, when he was struck by a driver who did not see him in time to avoid him. 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. FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. 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. Army staff sergeant convicted of murdering wife with puffer fish poison Army staff sergeant convicted of killing wife with toxin from puffer fish He faces 70 years behind bars and will be. His awards and decorations include two Army Accommodation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. 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. Elected in May 2021, incumbent Jessica Gonzalez is a director of sales. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Vanessa Guilln Murder Was One Of Many Deaths, Disappearances On Maj. Bradley Knapp. Because his death occurred off-base, the Killeen Police Department is investigating his killing. In addition, no fewer than five Fort . [15][16][19], On June17, the League of United Latin American Citizens added a $25,000 reward to the existing $25,000 reward announced by the Army for finding Guilln. By Todd South. But, we know our son was only trying to be friends with someone for this to happen to him, and that breaks our heart, Berg said. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. THE MURDERS AT FORT HOOD Remains of soldiers have been turning up around the Texas military base with terrifying frequency. A Year of Heartbreak and Bloodshed at Fort Hood - New York Times 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. [40], Guilln's family called for justice and improvement of the way claims of sexual harassment are handled by the military. Specialist Guillens family has raised allegations that she had been sexually harassed before she was killed. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Fort Hood soldier charged with murder of fellow soldier, mother of his The Thunder Battalion is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of PVT Eric Hogan, said Lt. Col. Ronald Sprang, Commander, 2-12 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. 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. Fort Hood identifies soldier found dead behind company barracks - KLTV His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. 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. Hernandezvargas awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. Family of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln seeking $35 million (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). Roy was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. Ukraine, Russia, NATO, and Nord Stream - Mike Adams interviews former What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? This story has been shared 148,076 times. He had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018. In December 2020, the Army found major flaws in the culture at Fort Hood and disciplined more than a dozen officials. A soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas was found dead over the weekend behind a barracks, according to local media reports. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Justice Department officials said in court documents that Specialist Robinson told Ms. Aguilar that he repeatedly struck Specialist Guillen on the head with a hammer, killing her, and hid her body in a large box. 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. A future grand jury will decide whether a Fort Hood soldier will have an armed assault charge raised to a murder charge after police said he shot at another soldier, who later died, after the. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. The gate is also the main entry point to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, where Guilln worked in an arms room as a small arms repairer. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. Fernandes mother, Ailiana Fernandes, told NBC News that her son had been hospitalized for several days prior to his disappearance. Her suspected killer was fellow soldier Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, 22, of Coppers Cove, Texas, is charged with murder in the March 23, 2020, killing of Michael Steven Wardrobe, 22, in Killeen, Texas. 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. (U.S. Army), Information gathered from fellow soldiers indicates Sgt. Charges Filed in Fort Bragg Beheading Case - Rolling Stone [41] Guilln's mother stated publicly that she had spoken to witnesses who heard two shots at the moment of Robinson's death, and stated her belief that Robinson was executed by authorities as part of a coverup involving senior members of the military. Spc. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 12 Fort Hood soldiers who have vanished, died, or, in one case, turned up dead after going missing last year. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in Bell County, Texas, on a charge of murder in the death. Morales Kia was later found abandoned and a month after his disappearance, he was classified as AWOL, or absent without official leave. No further details have been released. 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. The military judge sentenced the accused to. Wedel last spoke to her son Aug. 19, 2019, when he called her asking for gas money, she told the Post. Fernandes, ensuring he was aware of all his reporting, care, and victim advocacy options., Fernandes had also been transferred to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.. Looted Kandinsky work restored to Jewish heirs fetches $45M The numbers are high here. 6 min read. Vanessa Guillen: More charges filed against alleged accomplice in Fort Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Army Sgt. In one of those two cases, the person charged with murder was an active-duty soldier based at Fort Hood. Army enacts changes on sex assault response - Army Times She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. Robinsons civilian girlfriend, Cecily Anne Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, is charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. Guillen, 20, was slain April 22, 2020, at Fort Hood, the Texas military base where she was stationed. Fort Hood Restricts Base Access After Shooting Incident [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. "[27], A mural in honor of Guilln was created in her hometown of Houston by a local artist. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. Falcon told police those allegations were not true. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. [3], On the evening of June30, Robinson escaped the custody of an unarmed guard from his unit and fled Fort Hood after hearing the news of the discovery of remains. There are four deceased Soldiers and 16 wounded from a shooting incident on Fort Hood April 2. In September 2021, a warrant officer named Anthony Rivera was charged with the murder of two toddlers he'd adopted, both of whom died of blunt force trauma. We can confirm there is an open investigation of abusive sexual contact involving Sgt. Commentary: Joe Biden's Domestic Terrorism Backstory The base was determined earlier this month to have the highest number of soldier murders and sexual assault cases among all Army installations, prompting officials to vow to investigate the root causes., Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announced the independent probe into the bases climate, saying he hoped it would help them better understand why this is happening in this installation., We are getting an outside look to help us to get to those root causes and understanding so we can make those changes, he said. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed in Fort Hood before murder: Arm Olivares then told detectives he killed Rosecrans because the soldier tried to rape Falcon, the news station reported. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. Further details surrounding his death have not been released. 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. [15] On June 23, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, in whose district Guilln's family resides, met with Fort Hood officials to discuss the ongoing search. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. 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. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. Chee, 25, died Aug. 30 after collapsing during a training exercise two days before, Army officials said. Guillen, 20, went missing April 22 in a parking lot at the base after her family said she complained of sexual harassment. [8], On July6, 2020, at city hall in Richmond, California, a memorial of candles along with tea lights spelling out Vanessa were displayed in front of a makeshift altar. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 12 Fort Hood soldiers who have vanished, died, or, in one case, turned up dead after going missing last year. Specialist Guillen was reported missing on April 23, 2020. Peak, of Mount Dora, Florida, entered the Army in June 2017 as an ammunition specialist. Fort Hood Restricts Base Access After Shooting Incident 7 Feb 2021 Military.com | By Matthew Cox Army officials at Fort Hood, Texas tightened the base's gate security to restrict access. Vanessa Guilln, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found. The family. April 2 shooting incident on Fort Hood leaves four dead, 16 wounded Ivan Lopez [7] On April 2, 2014, a shooting spree was perpetrated at several locations on the Fort Hood military base near Killeen, Texas. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time, said Col. Kevin Capra, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. 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.. At this time, there is no connection between the disappearance of Sgt. They used that to buy the gas to burn his car, Berg said. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Last week, the base unveiled the People First Center, a training center for support and resources for victims of sexual assault or those experiencing suicidal thoughts. The proof is he disappeared. . Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. Hundreds of people gathered to honour Guilln and other victims of sexual violence and mistreatment within the military. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. Hours after the grisly discovery, as U.S. [22], On June30, 2020, Army investigators were called in when contractors discovered partial human remains along the Leon River in Belton. 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. Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being Gregory Morales Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. New York Times. Cellphone data, video and eyewitness statements put the two men together in the area of the slaying. Army investigating after another soldier is found dead at Fort Hood Vanessa Guillen's Remains Identified: What We Know So Far | Time [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. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. Harker Heights police officials said officers were called around 10:16 a.m. to the 2100 block of Fuller Lane, where Rosecrans was found dead. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22, 2020, in the parking lot of her squadrons headquarters at Fort Hood. 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. And now shes not with us. Just say the hashtag, #IamVanessaGuillen. [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. Elder Fernandes Army Sgt. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Bell County Jail records show. The entire team is heartbroken. 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. "He had an outstanding work ethic, was a mentor to his peers, and was always willing to help out the team. Prosecutors declined to tell Stars and Stripes why the grand jury failed to indict. Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. [38][39], In 2022 the Park Place post office was renamed after Guilln. Hasan was convicted in 2013 of 13 counts of murder and 32 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to death. 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. Delacruz Jr. a 23-year-old Army veteran was one of three to be killed March 14 in shooting at an apartment complex in Killeen, Stars and Stripes reported. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. Killeen police officials said that Jones had been shot at Club Dreams, a strip club about a half-mile from the store. All those men and women in our service suffering from sexual harassment, suffering from sexual assault because they report it yet they take it as a joke. 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. When Specialist Guillen disappeared, Ms. Aguilar, 22 at the time, was living with Specialist Robinson, according to the complaint. 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. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. [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. He had no money and hes not answering the phone. 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. Sawyer, 29, of Longview, Washington, was found dead March 5 at his home on the base. [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.