fort hood murders 2021
Guillen, 20, was slain April 22, 2020, at Fort Hood, the Texas military base where she was stationed. The Stallion family is truly devastated by the tragic loss of SPC Freddy Delacruz. His body was removed from the Jeep and left on the side of the road. Jovino Roy 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. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. We send our most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Private Hogan. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Original: Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow soldiers on Aug. 17 at a civilian home in Killeen, 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. 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. [43], On July30, 2020, Guillen's family met with President Donald Trump regarding her murder. 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. (Bell County Jail). [45] The investigation found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood. 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. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. Fort Hood is the same Army base where Vanessa Guillen was murdered in April 2020, in a case that engrossed the nation. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. 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.. "[46] Among those disciplined by McCarthy were Major General Scott L. Efflandt, Colonel Ralph Overland and Command Sergeant Major Bradley Knapp. Specialist Guillen was reported missing on April 23, 2020. The Killeen Police Department, which is investigating Delacruz's death alongside CID, said Delacruz was found . Ms. Aguilar told investigators that Specialist Robinson had picked her up late on April 22 or early on April 23 at the gas station where she worked. On July 3, the Army confirmed that the remains were Specialist Guillens. The Fort Bragg Murders At least 44 Fort Bragg soldiers died stateside in 2020 several of them were homicides. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. Sawyer, 29, of Longview, Washington, was found dead March 5 at his home on the base. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. And we believe that the person that killed her is that person that sexually harassed her, the one that walked into the shower. Hernandezvargas, 24, was discovered dead Aug. 2 after he disappeared underwater while being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat at the same lake where Mortas body was recovered. What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. They used my sons phone after they killed him to ask his friends for money for gas, Berg said. FORT HOOD, Texas Fort Hood appears to be on the cusp of yet another tragedy as authorities search for the latest Army soldier to go missing from the base. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Christopher Sawyer and the loved ones most closely affected by this tragedy. Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Crime Stoppers website or at cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Command Sgt. Apr 16, 2021. [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. Last year, at least 39. Gregory Morales Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest regrets to the family and loved ones of PFC Brandon Rosecrans, Col. Kevin Capra, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, said in a May 20 statement. I always envision myself that something great will happen to me. The Army suspended Major General Jeffery Broadwater and Command Sergeant Major Thomas C. Kenny, pending the outcome of a new investigation into the 1st Cavalry Division's command climate and program for preventing and responding to sexual harassment and assault. Wedel last spoke to her son Aug. 19, 2019, when he called her asking for gas money, she told the Post. Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. An investigation is underway and police say foul play is not suspected. An investigation is ongoing and officials did not say whether foul play was suspected. View all posts by Nwo Report. [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. It is unclear what started the altercation. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. The sergeants identification was found with the body. [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. [18] CID reported that they found no evidence that Guilln was assaulted, but said investigators believed foul play was involved in her disappearance. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Killeen man sentenced to life in prison in murder case over 'weed . For more on the string of violence at Fort Hood, subscribe now to PEOPLE or. Army CID officials said foul play was not suspected in Sawyers death but that an investigation was being conducted. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. [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. Wardrobe was reportedly romantically involved with Roys wife, the Herald reported. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. A Bell County grand jury declined to indict the suspected gunman in June, the publication reported. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time, said Col. Kevin Capra, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. On April 24, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command posted a news release asking for the publics help in finding her. Burned pieces of the case were found near the burial site along the Leon River. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. She said the reason for his hospital stay was unclear. April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. 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. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. 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." Updated Sep 1, 2020. 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. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and purple fitness-type pants.. When Specialist Guillen disappeared, Ms. Aguilar, 22 at the time, was living with Specialist Robinson, according to the complaint. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. Last week, there were concerns for Pfc. 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. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. Wardrobe, who was found lying in the front yard of a home, had been shot repeatedly. 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. Vanessa Guillen Army Pfc. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson cut Guillens body into pieces with a machete and an ax, burn her remains and bury them. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. On November 5, 2009, 13 people are killed and more than 30 others are wounded, nearly all of them unarmed soldiers, when a U.S. Army officer goes on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood in central. [2] 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. One of Rosecrans friends responded, sending $10 via Cash App. As it stood, the Fort Hood mass murder was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil since September 11, 2001, . Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. [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. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. 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. 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. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. US Army Spc. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell's family during this difficult time.". [5] Tim Miller, Director of Texas EquuSearch, stated that it was the most sophisticated burial site he had ever seen. While investigating the source of the water, the officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. 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. 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. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Specialist Hernandezvargas served his country honorably, both stateside while at Fort Hood and abroad in Korea and Romania, and this tragic loss is felt by every member within our formation.. 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. Ivan Antonio Lopez was identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident, and is. The family. 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. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. No further details have been released. [2][23] Aguilar told police that Robinson had confessed to her that he had killed a female soldier at Fort Hood. His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Satanist neo-Nazi sentenced to 45 years for plot to kill fellow US soldiers, US Army vet, 28, dies fighting in Ukraine: family, Famed military school alumni at war with superintendent over his diversity policies, Live Civil War artillery shell found at Gettysburg, could have killed a dozen people: report. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. Investigators who searched her phone found that the last person she texted was Specialist Robinson. SPC Aaron David Robinson, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene on a street in Killeen. More recently, a spate of missing and slain soldiers has plagued the base, where multiple investigations into the command climate and culture have been launched following allegations of rampant sexual harassment and abuse. According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. Mark Felix/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. The People First Task Force briefed reporters Friday on the many changes . His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. 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. So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. "[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. Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brothers toy pistol. After the discovery, Vanessa Guillen's sister, Mayra Guillen told TIME . 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. He was assigned to 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2019. 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 Texas military installation, on which Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan killed 13 people and injured 32 others in a 2009 mass shooting, has seen more than its share of bloodshed. Thanks for contacting us. He had no money and hes not answering the phone. 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. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. 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. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Aaron David Robinson, who later killed himself. . [35] Another mural is dedicated to her at Taqueria del Sol in the Park Place neighborhood. [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. He did not report to work the following day as scheduled, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. "He had an outstanding work ethic, was a mentor to his peers, and was always willing to help out the team. . Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. "[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. We've received your submission. Thanks for contacting us. Aaron Robinson was the suspect in the murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood. (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. 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. What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? Vanessa Guillen An federal affidavit filed July 2, 2020, details the killing and dismemberment of Army SPC Vanessa Guillen, far left, by fellow soldier SPC Aaron Robinson, center, and his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar. 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. murders, and cases of sexual . Families want answers. [40], Guilln's family called for justice and improvement of the way claims of sexual harassment are handled by the military. Hockin. 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. The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of PVT Mejhor Morta, Armstrong said in a news release. The woman accused of helping her Fort Hood Army soldier boyfriend dismember and dispose of Spc. 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. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. 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. In 2014, five years after Hasans killing rampage, Iraq War veteran and Army veteran SPC Ivan Lopez opened fire on the base, killing three soldiers and injuring another 16 before killing himself. Morales clothing was shredded and scattered, she said. The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. LONDON (AP) A painting by Wassily Kandinsky that spent decades in a Dutch museum after its Jewish owner was murdered in the Holocaust has sold at auction for 37.2 million pounds ($44.9 million). She returned to the base Monday. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. He entered the Army in March 2017 as a combat engineer, Fort Hood officials said Wednesday. [6] [8] [9] The shooter, 34-year-old Army Specialist Ivan Lopez, died of a self-inflicted gunshot . (U.S. Army, Bell County Jail). Paul Brandon Norris, who - in the . Fernandes and any other ongoing cases at Fort Hood.. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. Body of 3rd Fort Hood soldier found near base in less than month Body of 3rd Fort Hood soldier found near base in less than month (NCD). [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". A few days before the charge was announced, Specialist Robinson killed himself with a pistol. Maxwell Hockin is seen in this undated photo. His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanics Badge and Army Service Ribbon. The soldier was identified as Spc. In December 2020, the Army found major flaws in the culture at Fort Hood and disciplined more than a dozen officials. The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. Mortas awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. "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. Guillen, 20, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in an arms room on April 22, 2020, authorities said. Fox News Media; . [2], Aguilar was arrested by Texas Rangers and held at the Bell County Jail. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Additionally, soldiers have visited local hotels and hospitals throughout central Texas and continue to expand their search efforts.. He said it "forced us to take a critical look at our systems, our policies, and ourselves. Elder Fernandes Army Sgt. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. Athletic, she lifted weights, played soccer, and ran on track and cross-country teams. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) . This story has been shared 148,076 times. Hernandezvargas was the second soldier who died on the lake in less than a month. 2021, in Washington. He was last seen wearing a black Army physical training T-shirt and shorts with black, orange and yellow athletic shoes. Among the senior leaders disciplined were Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, and Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. [5] Investigators theorized that the remains, previously buried under concrete, had been dug up by wildlife. No charges have been filed against the driver, the news station said. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. An investigation is ongoing and authorities suspect foul play. Ms. Aguilar said she helped Specialist Robinson dismember the body with an ax or hatchet and a machete-style knife, according to the complaint. He had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018. Previous Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across . According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Saber's death is among multiple incidents at the Texas base in recent years. [49], On January26, 2022, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order that established sexual harassment as a specific offense under the UCMJ.[50]. This story has been shared 108,209 times. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. Hogan, 19, and Peak, 21, died Feb. 1 from injuries they suffered in a private car crash on Highway 195 in Williamson County.