Vanessa mysteriously disappeared on April 22, 2020, according to The New York Times. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. For more on the string of violence at Fort Hood, subscribe now to PEOPLE or. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) . 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. 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. The person involved in the proposed trade was not the man Olivares blamed for Rosecrans death. The thoughts and prayers of the soldiers of 215th Brigade Support Battalion and the Greywolf Brigade are with them during this difficult time.. Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. 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 "[27], A mural in honor of Guilln was created in her hometown of Houston by a local artist. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. Last week, there were concerns for Pfc. 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. Robinson died by suicide before his arrest, preventing him from facing charges. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). [22], On June30, 2020, Army investigators were called in when contractors discovered partial human remains along the Leon River in Belton. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. View all posts by Nwo Report. 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. As a result of the report on investigations findings, released on Dec. 8, 2020, 14 Army officials at Fort Hood were either fired or suspended, including several high-ranking leaders. According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. Maxwell Hockin is seen in this undated photo. April 23 (UPI) -- Army Spc. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in Bell County, Texas, on a charge of murder in the death. Officers in the area located the suspect at a nearby convenience store. Maxwell Hockin. On Nov. 5, 2009, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 people, including 10 military personnel, and injured 31 others in a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas. Hockin. Unlike Fernandes, Guillen had not reported her allegations to base officials. SPC Jovino Jamel Roy, also 22, has been charged with murder in the case. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Among the senior leaders disciplined were Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, and Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. 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. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. The soldier was identified as Spc. 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. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. (Bell County Jail). Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 disciplined at Fort Hood By Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk May 04, 2021 at 1:50 pm PDT NOW. 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. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. Hours after the grisly discovery, as U.S. Thanks for contacting us. 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. US Army Spc. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time, said Col. Kevin Capra, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Army Pfc. Like Wardrobe, Allred had left the service in January. [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". Each of us in the battalion are grateful for having known him, and we collectively grieve his loss.. 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. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. When they entered the unit, they found Delacruz, Cline and Allred dead. 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. Aaron Robinson escape custody and kill himself. 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. 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. [14] Multiple Fort Hood units, including 3CR, began searching the area within two weeks of her disappearance. The Stallion family is truly devastated by the tragic loss of SPC Freddy Delacruz. Fernandes left on his own accord, Army officials said. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell's family during this difficult time.". The numbers are high here. 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. Athletic, she lifted weights, played soccer, and ran on track and cross-country teams. Wednesday, Fort Hood officials said they do not suspect foul play in the death of Spc. Fox News Media; . The entire team is heartbroken. (Eric Gay/AP) Grinston, along with other Army . Spc. Police have identified the other two victims as Asia Cline, 22, and Shaquan Markell Allred, 23. After a young mom was gunned down, investigators uncovered a heinous and unholy plot that began at the victim's own home. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. "[46] Among those disciplined by McCarthy were Major General Scott L. Efflandt, Colonel Ralph Overland and Command Sergeant Major Bradley Knapp. When they began fighting, Roy opened fire. 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 reported missing on April 23, 2020. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In one of those two cases, the person charged with murder was an active-duty soldier based at Fort Hood. 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." So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. She said the reason for his hospital stay was unclear. And now shes not with us. Just say the hashtag, #IamVanessaGuillen. 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. "[47], During the December8 Pentagon press conference McCarthy said that Guilln's murder "shocked our conscience and brought attention to deeper problems" at Fort Hood and across the Army more widely. 6 min read. No further details surrounding his death have been released. Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. 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. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his. Fort Hood officials said Sunday in a statement that finding Fernandes safe remains the 1st Cavalry Divisions top priority. [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. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. 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. He was a dedicated professional who truly loved his family and the Army.. New York Times. [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. 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. 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. Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Authorities initially said Guillen, 20, of Houston, had last been seen in the parking lot of the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters. As you know, there has been a lot of updates since we last spoke. [2] Published October 12, 2021 9:28pm EDT. [9] Her car keys, identification card, bank card, and barracks key were found inside the armory where she worked. This story has been shared 148,076 times. 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. Posted BY: | NwoReport (Natural News) Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter also a former United States Marine Corps officer joins Mike Adams in a far-reaching interview that covers Ukraine, Russia, NATO, and Nord Stream. "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. Army leaders have declined to discuss possible motives for the killing. Further details surrounding his death have not been released. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the news station reported. [45] The investigation found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood. What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. 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. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. Four people, including the gunman, were killed while 14 additional people were injured; 12 by gunshot wounds. 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. He said it "forced us to take a critical look at our systems, our policies, and ourselves. 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. The woman accused of helping her Fort Hood Army soldier boyfriend dismember and dispose of Spc. According to Fort Hood officials, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. [5] Tim Miller, Director of Texas EquuSearch, stated that it was the most sophisticated burial site he had ever seen. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Wardrobe was reportedly romantically involved with Roys wife, the Herald reported. KCEN-TV in Temple reported that family members have been meeting with Army officials daily as the search for Fernandes continues. 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. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. My sisters a human being. [15] On June 23, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, in whose district Guilln's family resides, met with Fort Hood officials to discuss the ongoing search. His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. A memorial at her home was surrounded by angels and figures of the Virgin Mary, which Specialist Guillen wore on a gold necklace that she never removed. No further details have been released. The Army announced that. An investigation is ongoing and officials did not say whether foul play was suspected. Fort Hood officials said at a news conference that investigators had been unable to corroborate those claims. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. [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. 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. Killeen man sentenced to life in prison in murder case over 'weed . 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. Sawyer, 29, was found unresponsive at his post residence on March 5, Stars and Stripes reported. 'It's all gone': Kenosha store owner sobs, left to pick up 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. Specialist Robinson later said he read her the serial numbers and gave her paperwork, according to court documents. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. 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. 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. 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. 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. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida, was found dead July 17 on Stillhouse Hollow Lake. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. We believe that her remains were found. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. Specialist Guillens family has raised allegations that she had been sexually harassed before she was killed. The report found that a breakdown in communication between his unit and criminal investigation agents allowed him to escape. We resolve every case based on its unique circumstances. Vanessa Guillen bludgeoned to death on Army base, family attorney says", "Remains of missing soldier Vanessa Guilln likely found, family says, as suspect kills himself", "Cecily Aguilar indicted on 11 counts for involvement in Vanessa Guillen's death", "Cecily Aguilar pleads guilty to felony charges for involvement in Vanessa Guillen's murder", "Missing Fort Hood soldier was killed in armory, then hacked to pieces, family's attorney says", "Army to investigate Fort Hood SHARP program after disappearance of PFC Vanessa Guillen", "Calumet City Soldier Aaron David Robinson Was Main Suspect In Murder Of Fellow Soldier Vanessa Guillen", "Salma Hayek uses social media to find missing US Army soldier Vanessa!!! [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. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. But the only among the victims may be the institution that them all. An investigation is ongoing and authorities suspect foul play. On June 30, Fort Hood officials announced that partial human remains were found close to Leon River in Bell County, Texas. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). He had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018. THE MURDERS AT FORT HOOD Remains of soldiers have been turning up around the Texas military base with terrifying frequency. Last year, at least 39. Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. In December 2020, the Army found major flaws in the culture at Fort Hood and disciplined more than a dozen officials. Spc. This has been a year of bloodshed and heartbreak at Fort Hood in the central Texas city of Killeen. At the request of law enforcement, Aguilar placed a controlled telephone call to Robinson, who said, "Baby, they found pieces", and texted Robinson multiple news articles, to which he never denied anything in response. As long as I keep learning from my mistakes and Morta had been an Army private since last September, when he entered as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22, 2020, in the parking lot of her squadrons headquarters at Fort Hood. In 2007, 20-year-old Specialist Kamisha Block deployed to Iraq with a military police unit from Fort Hood but was shot and killed just weeks later by Staff Sgt. This story has been shared 148,076 times. 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. They used that to buy the gas to burn his car, Berg said. 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. Morales skeletal remains were found June 19, days before Guillens body was found, in a field about four miles from the base. 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. 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. 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. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. 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. 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 send our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Christopher Sawyer and the loved ones most closely affected by this tragedy. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. [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. 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. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. 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. 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. While investigating the source of the water, the officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. The first notable murder in Fort Bragg was by Jeffrey R. Macdonald. Guillens family and their attorney alleged that the missing soldier had told them that she had suffered sexual harassment at Fort Hood. [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. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. 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. On July 2, a charge was brought against another soldier at Fort Hood, Aaron Robinson, who killed himself. Families want answers. "[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. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. The 23-year-old Sapulpa, Oklahoma, native, who was days away from being discharged from the Army, vanished after a night out with friends in Killeen. Mejhor brought honor, dignity and respect to our nation, Armstrong said at the memorial, according to the news station. 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. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. 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.