The Army had charged a fellow soldier with Guilln's murder, though that soldier killed himself before charges were announced. Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson cut Guillens body into pieces with a machete and an ax, burn her remains and bury them. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? A Bell County grand jury declined to indict the suspected gunman in June, the publication reported. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool. 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. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County,. #findelderfernandes pic.twitter.com/nSU46T7IkC. [24][25] In the early hours of July1, Killeen police located and attempted to make contact with Robinson, who produced a handgun and killed himself before he could be taken into custody. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. Spc. The Stallion family is truly devastated by the tragic loss of SPC Freddy Delacruz. Mejhor brought honor, dignity and respect to our nation, Armstrong said at the memorial, according to the news station. 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. Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in Rosecrans murder. This story has been shared 148,076 times. The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. 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. [26][3] Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Frazier and Greg Gloff are prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government. Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. The report found that a breakdown in communication between his unit and criminal investigation agents allowed him to escape. Fort Hood is the same Army base where Vanessa Guillen was murdered in April 2020, in a case that engrossed the nation. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. Falcon told police those allegations were not true. Elected in May 2021, incumbent Jessica Gonzalez is a director of sales. Prosecutors said in court documents that she initially lied to investigators about what she knew but on June 30 confessed to playing a role in the disposal of Specialist Guillens body. Guillen was believed to have been bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow soldier, Spc. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. (Eric Gay/AP) Grinston, along with other Army . Once dismissed by cynics as a "conspiracy theory the New World Order is rapidly becoming a reality. 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." "[27], A mural in honor of Guilln was created in her hometown of Houston by a local artist. According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. Killeen police officials said officers were called around 1 a.m. March 14 to the Summerlyn Apartments, in reference to gunshots. 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. 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. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his. 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. [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. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. 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. 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 MURDERS AT FORT HOOD Remains of soldiers have been turning up around the Texas military base with terrifying frequency. 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. What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. Sewell is the latest soldier to disappear from the base after a series of soldiers disappeared in the past few years. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. 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. 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. Jun 14, 2021. Despite nearly daily prodding from his family, the Army did little to look for Morales, his loved ones said. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). "[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. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. Vanessa Guilln, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found. Jones, 20, died March 1 after he was shot at a strip club in Killeen, several miles from the base, the Army Times reported. 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. 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. New York Times. In December 2020, the Army announced14 senior leaders and enlisted personnel at Fort Hoodwere fired or suspended following an independent panel's review of the command climate and culture at the base. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. 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. Investigators who searched her phone found that the last person she texted was Specialist Robinson. 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. We believe that her remains were found. Los Angeles Friday 15 October 2021 12:06 Comments Army investigating after 26-year-old Maxwell Hockin found dead at Fort Hood barracks (US Army) The US army has launched an investigation. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. 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. Theres something wrong, Wedel told the military publication. The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. The Killeen Daily Herald reported that Roy had allegedly used a gun to threaten Wardrobe, who separated from the Army in January. [5][23] The area had previously been searched by Texas Rangers, detectives, and cadaver dogs on June20 after a burn mound was discovered nearby. As you know, there has been a lot of updates since we last spoke. 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. Searchers found the dismembered soldier encased in concrete and buried in multiple spots in Belton, along the Leon River. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. Aton entered the Army in March 2018 as an Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer and had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade since August 2018, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and purple fitness-type pants.. Specialist Guillens mother said she had enjoyed attending church with her daughter. Hundreds of people gathered to honour Guilln and other victims of sexual violence and mistreatment within the military. Moore, a 36-year-old Texas Army National Guard soldier, died in a training accident while completing a land navigation course Aug. 13 at the base. In addition, no fewer than five Fort . 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. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Maxwell Hockin. Fernandes mother, Ailiana Fernandes, told NBC News that her son had been hospitalized for several days prior to his disappearance. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. Wardrobe, 22, was shot and killed March 23 at a residence in Killeen. Wedel told Army Times that her family was told he was an adult and there was no proof anything bad had happened to him. The probe, led by Gen. John Murray, head of Army Futures Command, concluded that Guilln had been sexually harassed by another soldier, who authorities said was among those sanctioned. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Peak, of Mount Dora, Florida, entered the Army in June 2017 as an ammunition specialist. Morales Kia was later found abandoned and a month after his disappearance, he was classified as AWOL, or absent without official leave. Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. Broadwater was subsequently assigned as deputy commander of V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky. No further details surrounding his death have 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. An autopsy will be performed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas and the incident is under investigation. My sisters a human being. The 20-year-old was missing for about two months before her remains were found buried in a shallow grave last year. 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. 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. Aaron Robinson was the suspect in the murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. April 23 (UPI) -- Army Spc. They used my sons phone after they killed him to ask his friends for money for gas, Berg said. The Army announced that it had taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at the troubled Texas base in connection with Guillns murder. Spc. 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. 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. [22], On June30, 2020, Army investigators were called in when contractors discovered partial human remains along the Leon River in Belton. This story has been shared 108,209 times. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. [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. Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. 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. 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. 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. Guillens family and their attorney alleged that the missing soldier had told them that she had suffered sexual harassment at Fort Hood. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. It was ordered after the murder of Army Specialist . Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. Killeen police officials said that Jones had been shot at Club Dreams, a strip club about a half-mile from the store. Hospital fire in India kills more than a dozen COVID-19 pa 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. [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. The Army announced that. 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. Officials identified the soldier as 26-year-old Spc.