By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-26 21:27:29 | Updated at 2024-10-26 23:28:35
2 hours ago
Chilling new details have emerged in the case of the missing Missouri soldier who was found dead in a dumpster shortly after she mysteriously vanished from an army base.
The body of Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, who was stationed at US Army base Ford Leonard Wood, was found in a dumpster on Monday evening after she failed to report for duty that morning.
On Thursday, Army officials took to Facebook with the latest update - a person of interest was taken into custody in connection to the killing.
No other information was shared, including the name of the person or if they were also a military personnel.
'The incident continues to be under investigation by the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division', the post wrote. 'Updates will be provided as they are available.'
Sergeant Sarah Roque (pictured), 23, vanished from US Army base Fort Leonard Wood and was found dead in a dumpster on Monday evening near single-soldier housing
Attempts made by Roque's chain of command and family to get in contact with the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen on base
Roque, who served as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, was reported missing after she failed to show up for morning formation.
Attempts made by her chain of command and family to get in contact with the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen on base, NPR reported.
Fort Leonard Wood issued a 'be on the lookout' alert, urging the public and other law enforcement agencies for help in locating the 23-year-old.
Soon after she was first reported as a missing person, her body was found in a dumpster next to single-soldier housing.
Although the cause of death remains unknown, Christopher Beck, the Major General, said in a press conference on Thursday that its being ruled as a potential homicide.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is now working alongside the FBI and other agencies to investigate the case further.
Army officials said that they are still waiting on the results of Roque's autopsy which will give more insight into her bizarre death, NPR reported.
Army officials stated on Thursday that there's a person of interest in custody but no other details were provided yet
Roque was stationed at US Army base Ford Leonard Wood in central Missouri and was originally reported missing on Monday after she failed to report for duty
Fort Leonard Wood, which is located in central Missouri, is a military installation that sees more than 80,000 people each year for training.
Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, enlisted in 2020 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.
Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
'As a commander and a leader, this is a tragedy,' Maj. Gen. Beck said at the conference, the NY Post reported.
'This is something that we never want to happen, we never want for the family to have to endure, or for the unit to have to endure.'
'Sarah not only served our country bravely and honorably as a soldier, she was also a daughter, a sister and a friend to many.'
Major General Beck went on to describe Roque as a woman who served with the upmost honor and distinction.
Christopher Beck, the Major General, said in a press conference on Thursday that her death is being ruled as a potential homicide but the cause of death still remains unknown
She was 'described by her peers as tough and proud of everything she did and proud to serve our country,' the Major General added. 'The Fort Leonard Wood community is devastated by this tragic loss.'
'Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably. Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.'
Her home city in Indiana - Ligonier - asked local businesses and residents on Thursday to fly red flags at half-staff until Roque's burial as a way to recognize and honor the soldier, NPR reported.
'We send our deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Sergeant Sarah Roque and to the entire Fort Leonard Wood community,' said Missouri Congressman Mark Alford.
'Sergeant Roque was a dedicated solider whose patriotic service earned her multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. We mourn with all those affected by this tragedy, and we stand alongside them during this horrible time.'
