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. Wedel told Army Times that her family was told he was an adult and there was no proof anything bad had happened to him. My sisters no joke. Hasan was convicted in 2013 of 13 counts of murder and 32 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to death. His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. 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. [37], On April19, 2021, Lieutenant General Robert P. White, commander of III Corps and Fort Hood unveiled that one out of the 27 gates that grant entry to Fort Hood will be renamed "The Vanessa Guilln Gate" with a plaque in her honor. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Hockin. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. Officials recently reported the base has the highest number of cases of soldier murders and sexual assaults among all Army installations. At approximately 1:40 a.m., officers received another call in reference to a water leak coming from one apartment leading to another.. [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. Foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. After the discovery, Vanessa Guillen's sister, Mayra Guillen told TIME . The numbers are high here. These two people had befriended my son, and the week before (the homicide) had been pretty much leeching off my son, Rosecrans father, Thomas Berg Sr., told Fox 7. 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. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. We believe that her remains were found. 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. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. 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. President Biden apparently thinks they are synonymous with election integrity. [49], On January26, 2022, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order that established sexual harassment as a specific offense under the UCMJ.[50]. He has black hair and brown eyes. We resolve every case based on its unique circumstances. 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. Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. [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. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. Because his death occurred off-base, the Killeen Police Department is investigating his killing. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. No charges have been filed against the driver, the news station said. Families want answers. Anyone can read what you share. Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Family hopeful for answers after police reopen case into Fort Hood soldier's death By Olivia Levada Texas PUBLISHED 4:24 PM CT Apr. He is being held without bond on the murder charge. Peak, of Mount Dora, Florida, entered the Army in June 2017 as an ammunition specialist. He was assigned to 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2019. (U.S. Army), Information gathered from fellow soldiers indicates Sgt. No further details surrounding his death have been released. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The military failed him by not looking, Wedel told The Washington Post. Aaron David Robinson, who later killed himself. 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. The Fort Bragg Murders At least 44 Fort Bragg soldiers died stateside in 2020 several of them were homicides. Fernandes, Brautigam said in a statement. In fact, when Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill in 2021 requiring voter ID and strengthening rules against bribery and electioneering at the polls, the President condemned the law as "Jim Crow on steroids." His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. 2021 at 7:32pm Elected in May 2021, incumbent Jessica Gonzalez is a director of sales. [24][25] In the early hours of July1, Killeen police located and attempted to make contact with Robinson, who produced a handgun and killed himself before he could be taken into custody. Original: Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow soldiers on Aug. 17 at a civilian home in Killeen, Texas. Elder Fernandes was reported missing nearly one year to the day after the Aug. 20, 2019, disappearance of Morales. [44], On December8, 2020, McCarthy announced the results of the investigation, disciplining 14 U.S. commanders and other leaders at Fort Hood, citing multiple "leadership failures". His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. [20] The authorities said that more than 300 interviews and over 10,000 hours were spent investigating Guilln's disappearance. Vanessa Guillen's death, along with the deaths of several other soldiers shed light on major issues at Fort Hood and some families say they have tried to share their concerns for years What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. 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. According to Fort Hood officials, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The 20-year-old was missing for about two months before her remains were found buried in a shallow grave last year. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. Hundreds of people gathered to honour Guilln and other victims of sexual violence and mistreatment within the military. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. 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. 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. Vannessa Guilln at Fort Hood led to a reckoning within the Army about sexual assault and harassment. 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. Her death cast a harsh spotlight on the base and its culture, particularly for its handling of sexual assault and harassment, as she told her family that she had been harassed at the base. 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. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. The soldier was identified as Spc. Stars and Stripes November 12, 2021 Fort Hood soldier Cpl. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. The point of emphasis being that we are going to put every resource and all of the energy we can in this entire institution behind fixing these problems.. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. This story has been shared 148,076 times. Guilln family disputed that finding in an interview Friday. She was missing for months until some of her remains were found buried along the Leon River in June 2020. Hogan, 19, and Peak, 21, died Feb. 1 from injuries they suffered in a private car crash on Highway 195 in Williamson County. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. He was assigned to the 9th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2019. A probe into the implementation of the bases Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP, is ongoing. 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. 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. By Marlene Lenthang October 13, 2021, 9:15 AM 2:25 On Location: February 24, 2023 Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. I always envision myself that something great will happen to me. Sawyer entered the Army in October 2017 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and had been assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2018. 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. [22], On June30, 2020, Army investigators were called in when contractors discovered partial human remains along the Leon River in Belton. 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. After a young mom was gunned down, investigators uncovered a heinous and unholy plot that began at the victim's own home. 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. 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. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Delacruz, 23, of Vidalia, Georgia, was one of three people killed in a triple homicide March 14 in Killeen. 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. Fort Hood officials said Delacruz entered the Army in November 2017 as a cavalry scout and had been assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since April 2018. He was truly remarkable, and this loss hurts all of us.. 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. Additionally, soldiers have visited local hotels and hospitals throughout central Texas and continue to expand their search efforts.. Aaron Robinson was the suspect in the murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood. Specialist Guillen was reported missing from Fort Hood in April 2020, and her remains were found on June 30, 2020. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. While investigating the source of the water, the officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. . This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. [21] On July 27, 2020, Guilln's mother, who had previously been detained for illegal immigration, was granted parole in place by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the assistance of Garcia and immigration attorney Luis Gomez Alfaro. Our priority right now is to take care of his family, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.. Atons awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. 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. A body believed to be the missing 23-year-old soldier was discovered hanging from a tree Aug. 25 in Temple, about 30 miles from the base. 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. This has been a year of bloodshed and heartbreak at Fort Hood in the central Texas city of Killeen. 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. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. According to Army officials, that was also the last day he was seen alive, driving his black 2018 Kia Rio off-base in Killeen. Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk, Body of 3rd Fort Hood soldier found near base in less than month. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. "[48], Broadwater did not receive any disciplinary action following an investigation of the 1st Cavalry Division's command climate and turned command of the Division over to Major General John B. Richardson in July 2021. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. It is unclear what started the altercation. Vanessa Guilln's body in Texas last year has failed to get her jailhouse confession thrown out. Guillens family and their attorney alleged that the missing soldier had told them that she had suffered sexual harassment at Fort Hood. A makeshift memorial for U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen at Power House Gym in Houston in August 2020. Falcon told police those allegations were not true. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. Specialist Guillen was born and raised in Houston with five siblings. Army Pfc. Wardrobe, who was found lying in the front yard of a home, had been shot repeatedly. Ms. Aguilar said she helped Specialist Robinson dismember the body with an ax or hatchet and a machete-style knife, according to the complaint. We believe that the suspect had killed himself in the morning, and that unfortunately doesnt provide us much information about how this happened, why this happened. 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. The Army blamed officials for letting Guillns killer Spc. 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. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. An investigation is ongoing and officials did not say whether foul play was suspected. The People First Task Force briefed reporters Friday on the many changes . 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. His death is being investigated as a homicide and his mother, Kim Wedel, has said investigators believe he was shot in the face. US Army Spc. This story has been shared 108,209 times. 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. 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. Maxwell Hockin, who was assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. According to Fox 7, authorities found messages between Olivares and another person regarding trading the weapon. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time, Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong, commander of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, said in a news release. Roy was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. 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. Jovino Jamel Roy, who was stationed at the base, news station KWKT reported. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. What are "Jim Crow" laws? 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. KCEN-TV in Temple reported that family members have been meeting with Army officials daily as the search for Fernandes continues. 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. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Anthonys family and friends. [5] Investigators theorized that the remains, previously buried under concrete, had been dug up by wildlife. October 13, 2021 / 5:33 PM / CBS DFW FORT HOOD, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified the soldier who was found dead Saturday, Oct. 13 behind his company barracks. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. By Todd South. According to Fox 7 in Austin, Rosecrans had been shot four times. Anyone with information on Fernandes whereabouts is asked to contact the Killeen Police Department at 254-526-TIPS (8477), Bell County Crime Stoppers at bellcountycrimestoppers.com, the Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Command (CID) office at 254-287-2722, the Fort Hood MP desk at 254-287-4001 or their local police department. 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. Jun 14, 2021. 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 . The Killeen Police Department, which is investigating Delacruz's death alongside CID, said Delacruz was found . Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Jones entered the Army in May 2017 as a cavalry scout and had been assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment since August 2018, according to Fort Hood officials. murders, and cases of sexual . The Army announced that. [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. Hernandezvargas was the second soldier who died on the lake in less than a month. Despite nearly daily prodding from his family, the Army did little to look for Morales, his loved ones said. 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. 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. An apparent bullet hole was found in the back passenger door, the news station reported. 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. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Burned pieces of the case were found near the burial site along the Leon River. His death is under investigation but foul play is not suspected. The Army had charged a fellow soldier with Guilln's murder, though that soldier killed himself before charges were announced. [14] Multiple Fort Hood units, including 3CR, began searching the area within two weeks of her disappearance. PFC Anthony Peak was a valuable member of this team and his loss is felt by his friends and the soldiers of the Saber Squadron and Greywolf Brigade. The case remains unresolved, though Stars and Stripes reported that a redacted copy of investigative reports shows a total of 15 people either witnessed Jones killing or were believed to be involved. 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", "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. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them in this trying time. Mortas awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. 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. Fort Hood officials said Sunday in a statement that finding Fernandes safe remains the 1st Cavalry Divisions top priority. WASHINGTON (AP) The Army said Friday that it has taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at Fort Hood, Texas, in connection with death last year of Spc. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. Vanessa mysteriously disappeared on April 22, 2020, according to The New York Times. 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. after an independent committee reviewed the CID detachment at Fort Hood, in Texas. 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. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. The family of a Texas soldier who was sexually harassed and killed at a military base near Killeen in 2020 filed a lawsuit Friday seeking $35 million in damages from the U.S. government. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. Finding Sgt. Published: Sep. 22, 2021 at 2:55 PM PDT KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - A criminal complaint affidavit obtained by News 10 states Fort Hood soldier Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, shot and killed the.