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. 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. Last week, there were concerns for Pfc. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). 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. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. She returned to the base Monday. 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. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Bell County Jail records show. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. Among the senior leaders disciplined were Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, and Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. 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. [6] [8] [9] The shooter, 34-year-old Army Specialist Ivan Lopez, died of a self-inflicted gunshot . 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. 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. Her suspected killer was fellow soldier Spc. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. . [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 was assigned to 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2019. An investigation is ongoing and officials did not say whether foul play was suspected. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. He had gone to a club and met up with friends that night, his mother said. Army Sgt. 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. Chris Swecker, Jonathan Harmon, Carrie Ricci, Queta Rodriguez and Jack White visited Fort Hood for 19 days between August and September and conducted 80 group interviews, which encompassed over . 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. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. 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. We believe that her remains were found. 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. People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable, Army officials said. Hockin. 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. [13] Guilln's mother advised her to report the matter, but she responded that "she could put a stop to it herself"[16] out of fear that her mother would be harmed for making a report. [5][23] The area had previously been searched by Texas Rangers, detectives, and cadaver dogs on June20 after a burn mound was discovered nearby. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. 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. Command Sgt. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. [9] In early June, Guilln's mother told reporters she did not trust the Army's handling of the investigation and her attorney, Natalie Khawam,[17] said she believed the family was "being kept in the dark"[16] because few details had been released regarding the disappearance. A First Cavalry Division sergeant who shot and killed a protester in July 2020 at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin is free on bond after he was indicted Thursday for murder and aggravated . (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) . Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Like Wardrobe, Allred had left the service in January. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. No charges have been filed against the driver, the news station said. When they began fighting, Roy opened fire. (U.S. Army, Bell County Jail). On July 2, a charge was brought against another soldier at Fort Hood, Aaron Robinson, who killed himself. The sergeants identification was found with the body. Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson cut Guillens body into pieces with a machete and an ax, burn her remains and bury them. Each of us in the battalion are grateful for having known him, and we collectively grieve his loss.. Hours after the grisly discovery, as U.S. In August of this year, Natalie Khawam, a lawyer for the Guillen family, filed a $35 million lawsuit against the United States Army for sexual assault and the wrongful death of Specialist Guillen, Ms. Khawam said. Spc. Vanessa Guilln, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found. Natalie Khawam, a lawyer for the family of Specialist Vanessa Guillen, said in early July that her remains had most likely been found and that a suspect in her disappearance had killed himself. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. Jovino Jamel Roy, who was stationed at the base, news station KWKT reported. Because his death occurred off-base, the Killeen Police Department is investigating his killing. Rosecrans, 27, was found dead from gunshot wounds May 18 on the side of the road in Harker Heights, Texas three miles away from where his Jeep was discovered engulfed in flames. Aguilar was reported to be the girlfriend of Aaron David Robinson, a specialist ranked enlisted soldier who was one of the last known people to see Guilln on the day of her disappearance and who had previously been interviewed by investigators. This has been a year of bloodshed and heartbreak at Fort Hood in the central Texas city of Killeen. At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or . "[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. 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. 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. US Army Spc. Fort Hood officials said Sunday in a statement that finding Fernandes safe remains the 1st Cavalry Divisions top priority. In one of those two cases, the person charged with murder was an active-duty soldier based at Fort Hood. Last year, at least 39. [45] The investigation found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood. An apparent bullet hole was found in the back passenger door, the news station reported. What are "Jim Crow" laws? Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, center, gets feedback from soldiers about their concerns at Fort Hood, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. Jun 14, 2021. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. Hogan, 19, and Peak, 21, died Feb. 1 from injuries they suffered in a private car crash on Highway 195 in Williamson County. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. Army enacts changes on sex assault response, investigations and more after Fort Hood scandal. 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. 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). 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. The punishments are the latest Army moves in response to Guillns disappearance and death. 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. His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Lightning Brigade and our Army, said Col. Ethan Hall, commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. No further details surrounding his death have been released. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. Vanessa Guillen", "Foul play suspected in Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen's disappearance", "Vanessa Guillen search: Lawmaker suspects foul play in the disappearance of Texas soldier", "Fort Hood says they have found no connection with sexual harassment and Guillen's disappearance", "Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosts virtual update on Vanessa Guilln case", "She 'never made it out of the Army alive': Affidavit details killing of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen", "Remains of missing soldier Vanessa Guilln identified by Army, family says", "Vanessa Guillen killed with hammer and her body mutilated, affidavit says", "New court documents in Vanessa Guillen's case reveal possible motive for murder", "Public's Help Sought in Locating Fort Hood Soldier", "Army Senior Leaders Update Reporters on U.S. Army Response to COVID-19", https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/politics/vanessa-guillen-family-donald-trump/index.htmlM, "Army punishes 14 senior officers after murder and other deaths at Fort Hood", "Texas woman pleads guilty to role in Vanessa Guillen's death", "Houston artists pay tribute to Vanessa Guillen", "New mural pays tribute to Vanessa Guillen in her neighborhood", "Mayor Turner honors Vanessa Guillen with visit to mural", "Fort Hood unveils gate and plaque honoring Vanessa Guilln", "Fort Hood names gate after slain Spc. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell's family during this difficult time.". Vanessa Guillen murder: Demonstrators carry a banner demanding justice for slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen during the Black and Brown Unity March July 12, 2020, in Los Angeles. The entire team is heartbroken. Hogan, of Campton, New Hampshire, entered the Army in June 2019 as a cavalry scout. 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. On June 30, Fort Hood officials announced that partial human remains were found close to Leon River in Bell County, Texas. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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." Two witnesses later said that on the same day, they saw Specialist Robinson coming out of the arms room, pulling a large tough box with wheels that appeared very heavy in weight, according to the complaint. [43], On July30, 2020, Guillen's family met with President Donald Trump regarding her murder. He was taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail.. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. After a young mom was gunned down, investigators uncovered a heinous and unholy plot that began at the victim's own home. 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. His awards and decorations include two Army Accommodation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. 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 gate is also the main entry point to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, where Guilln worked in an arms room as a small arms repairer. Our priority right now is to take care of his family, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.. Spc. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) . Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. By Todd South. Spc. 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. [38][39], In 2022 the Park Place post office was renamed after Guilln. '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. Guillen, 20, was slain April 22, 2020, at Fort Hood, the Texas military base where she was stationed. According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. A probe into the implementation of the bases Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP, is ongoing. 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. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them in this trying time. Specialist Guillens mother said she had enjoyed attending church with her daughter. [40], Guilln's family called for justice and improvement of the way claims of sexual harassment are handled by the military. The Army had charged a fellow soldier with Guilln's murder, though that soldier killed himself before charges were announced. 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. Editors note: A body believed to that of Elder Fernandes was found hanging from a tree Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, Texas. Specialist Guillen was born and raised in Houston with five siblings. Thanks for contacting us. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The Stallion family is truly devastated by the tragic loss of SPC Freddy Delacruz. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. They used my sons phone after they killed him to ask his friends for money for gas, Berg said. 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. 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. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. 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. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the news station reported. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. The soldier was identified as Spc. 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. Ms. Aguilar said she helped Specialist Robinson dismember the body with an ax or hatchet and a machete-style knife, according to the complaint. Army investigators detained Specialist Robinson in the killing of Specialist Guillen just hours after her remains were found, but a series of missteps allowed him to flee, then fatally shoot himself, according to an Army report released on April 30, 2021. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. 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.