This story has been shared 148,076 times. Guilln family disputed that finding in an interview Friday. Vanessa Guillen's Remains Identified: What We Know So Far | Time FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. Killeen police officials said that Jones had been shot at Club Dreams, a strip club about a half-mile from the store. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest condolences to Anthonys family and friends. 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. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. Searchers found the dismembered soldier encased in concrete and buried in multiple spots in Belton, along the Leon River. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Guillen was believed to have been bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow soldier, Spc. 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. 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. 2021 at 7:32pm Like Wardrobe, Allred had left the service in January. The Army had charged a fellow soldier with Guilln's murder, though that soldier killed himself before charges were announced. 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. She said the reason for his hospital stay was unclear. Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. Published: Oct. 12, 2021 at 4:48 PM PDT FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Specialist Maxwell Hockin, 26, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood, was found dead behind his company barracks over the weekend, according to officials at Fort Hood. 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. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. [38][39], In 2022 the Park Place post office was renamed after Guilln. US Army Spc. [5], Later that evening, at around 8:30p.m., authorities re-interviewed Cecily Anne Aguilar, a local woman who was the estranged wife of a soldier at Fort Hood. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in Rosecrans murder. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. Commentary: Joe Biden's Domestic Terrorism Backstory A Bell County grand jury declined to indict the suspected gunman in June, the publication reported. The unit sexual assault response coordinator has been working closely with Sgt. 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. Aaron Robinson escape custody and kill himself. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) [20] The authorities said that more than 300 interviews and over 10,000 hours were spent investigating Guilln's disappearance. 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. [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. 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. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County,. Hernandezvargas, 24, drowned Aug. 2 in a boating accident at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located about 15 miles from Fort Hood. Foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Mejhor brought honor, dignity and respect to our nation, Armstrong said at the memorial, according to the news station. 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. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. Dozens of Deaths at Fort Hood in 2020: Is 'Toxic Culture' at - People 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. Drugs suspected in case of two Fort Bragg soldiers found dead in barracks 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. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. 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. Saber's death is among multiple incidents at the Texas base in recent years. Authorities said a preliminary autopsy indicated his death, like that of Hernandezvargas, appeared to be from drowning. By May Jeong Photography by Devin Oktar Yalkin July 6, 2021 PART ONE: THE MYSTERIES The numbers are distressing. "[46] Among those disciplined by McCarthy were Major General Scott L. Efflandt, Colonel Ralph Overland and Command Sergeant Major Bradley Knapp. As it stood, the Fort Hood mass murder was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil since September 11, 2001, . We send our most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Private Hogan. Additionally, his only known vehicle was located on base at his units parking lot.. My sisters a human being. Command Sgt. Guillen, 20, went missing April 22 in a parking lot at the base after her family said she complained of sexual harassment. When they began fighting, Roy opened fire. [2][23] Aguilar told police that Robinson had confessed to her that he had killed a female soldier at Fort Hood. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the news station reported. [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 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. 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. 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. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. Spc. At this time, there is no connection between the disappearance of Sgt. Prosecutors declined to tell Stars and Stripes why the grand jury failed to indict. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. All division motor pools, parking lots, barracks and HQs buildings have been thoroughly searched. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. As you know, there has been a lot of updates since we last spoke. 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. He was allegedly gunned down by 28-year-old Brandon Michael Olivares, although no motive has been released. His skeletal remains were found June 19, 2020, in a Killeen field about four miles from the base, and authorities say foul play was involved in his death. The 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. Vanessa Guilln Murder Was One Of Many Deaths, Disappearances On He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool. It was not until Guillens disappearance, and a subsequent reward for information on her whereabouts, that Fort Hood offered an identical reward in Morales disappearance. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. Activists called for systematic changes in how the military handles reports of sexual harassment and assault. 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. 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. He had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. Jun 14, 2021. Specialist Guillens family has raised allegations that she had been sexually harassed before she was killed. Atons awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Published October 12, 2021 9:28pm EDT. (Robinson) told her he was worried about getting in trouble for violating the Army's fraternization rules since Aguilar was still married to another soldier and he hit Guillen in the head with a hammer. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. 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. Here's what we know about 8 of the soldiers who died this year at Fort [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". No further details surrounding his death have been released. He was an important member of the battalion scout platoon and the battalion and his loss is deeply felt.. Report finds a 'failure of leadership' after Fort Hood murder Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson cut Guillens body into pieces with a machete and an ax, burn her remains and bury them. 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. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his. We've received your submission. 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. The Killeen Daily Herald reported that Roy had allegedly used a gun to threaten Wardrobe, who separated from the Army in January. 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!!! Investigators tasked with analyzing failures at Fort Hood, Texas, pointed to NCOs perpetuating a culture of fear. [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. The People First Task Force briefed reporters Friday on the many changes . By Todd South. 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. No charges have been filed against the driver, the news station said. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. . A total of 10 shell casings were found at the scene, the Herald reported. Guillens family and their attorney alleged that the missing soldier had told them that she had suffered sexual harassment at Fort Hood. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. Charges Filed in Fort Bragg Beheading Case - Rolling Stone Vanessa Guilln's body in Texas last year has failed to get her jailhouse confession thrown out. 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. Fort Hood: What we know about 12 soldiers missing, slain or killed in Once dismissed by cynics as a "conspiracy theory the New World Order is rapidly becoming a reality. 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 Wardrobe, 22, was shot and killed March 23 at a residence in Killeen. Specialist Guillen was reported missing on April 23, 2020. Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. Aaron Robinson, who took his own life when confronted by police after her remains were discovered, authorities said at the time. 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. At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or died this year 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. 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. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. 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." Fort Hood NCOs Shamed Victims, Prevented Soldiers from - Military The thoughts and prayers of the soldiers of 215th Brigade Support Battalion and the Greywolf Brigade are with them during this difficult time.. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 He was an outstanding trooper, Lt. Col. Steven E. Jackowski, commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. PVT Morta was a great trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.. His body was found at the base of the dam, according to a news release from the Bell County Sheriffs Department, which is investigating the case. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. And now shes not with us. Just say the hashtag, #IamVanessaGuillen. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. 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. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. Army investigating after another soldier is found dead at Fort Hood U.S. Army Forces Command completes investigation of Fort Hood leader Ivan Antonio Lopez was identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident, and is. Updated Sep 1, 2020. Fort Hood soldier found dead behind barracks, investigation underway Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. Wednesday, Fort Hood officials said they do not suspect foul play in the death of Spc. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. 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. 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. Robinson died by suicide before his arrest, preventing him from facing charges. 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. Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the source (of the gunshots), a news release from the department said. Further details surrounding his death have not been released. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. are assisting Somali soldiers fighting Al Shabab, and by a health care system that utterly failed him, The case has irritated U.S. relations with a crucial military ally. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. The woman accused of helping her Fort Hood Army soldier boyfriend dismember and dispose of Spc. Police officials said the investigation determined that Rosecrans and Olivares were traveling together in the soldiers Jeep when Rosecrans was killed. 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. 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. 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. Police have identified the other two victims as Asia Cline, 22, and Shaquan Markell Allred, 23. Fort Hood officials said Sunday in a statement that finding Fernandes safe remains the 1st Cavalry Divisions top priority. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. [9] Her car keys, identification card, bank card, and barracks key were found inside the armory where she worked. Hernandezvargas was the second soldier who died on the lake in less than a month. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. If you cant say why he murdered her, you cant say he didnt sexually harass her, family attorney Natalie Khawam said. 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.. When they entered the unit, they found Delacruz, Cline and Allred dead. Two more who had separated from the Army at the base within the previous six months were also slain, according to Stars and Stripes. Fort Hood: Army punishes 14 senior officers after murder and other What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? 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. Among the senior leaders disciplined were Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, and Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. Despite her mothers reservations, she decided to enlist at 18. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. [26][3] Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Frazier and Greg Gloff are prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government. On This Day: Fort Hood shooting leaves 13 dead - UPI He was truly remarkable, and this loss hurts all of us.. Stars and Stripes November 12, 2021 Fort Hood soldier Cpl. Fort Hood suspends commander of military police . An autopsy will be performed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas and the incident is under investigation. [15] On June 23, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, in whose district Guilln's family resides, met with Fort Hood officials to discuss the ongoing search. . She was missing for months until some of her remains were found buried along the Leon River in June 2020. New York Times.