
A tragedy has struck Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as the Army investigates the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, turning the case into a homicide inquiry.
At a glance:
- Sgt. Sarah Roque, a 23-year-old soldier at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, was found dead, prompting a homicide investigation.
- Roque was last seen near the base, leading to a BOLO alert before her body was discovered.
- Advocacy groups are rallying to support the investigation, recalling previous cases involving Hispanic female soldiers in the Army.
Earlier this week, Army officials confirmed that Sgt. Sarah Roque, a soldier stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, was found dead, leading to an official homicide investigation. Roque, 23, had been missing since Monday, prompting base officials to issue a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) notice to locate her. Sgt. Roque, a Hispanic woman assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, was last seen near the base before communication with her family and command was lost.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, expressed deep sorrow over her death, highlighting her dedication to service. “Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend, and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” Beck said, acknowledging the impact of her loss on the military community.
Sgt. Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, enlisted in the Army in 2020. She was a K9 handler with the 5th Engineer Battalion and had completed her basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. During her service, she earned several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is currently handling the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Meanwhile, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has announced it will support the case, citing similar past incidents involving Hispanic women in the military. David Cruz, LULAC’s communications director, stated that the organization is forming a coalition to assist with the investigation, as it did with the high-profile case of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén in 2020. Guillén’s murder sparked national outrage, leading to significant reforms within the Army regarding the handling of sexual harassment and violence.
Roque’s case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about the safety of female soldiers in the Army. In recent years, several cases have exposed the vulnerabilities of women in uniform, prompting calls for stricter protections and accountability. LULAC’s involvement follows its previous advocacy for Pfc. Katia Dueñas Aguilar, another Hispanic soldier found dead under suspicious circumstances earlier this year.
As the Army continues its investigation, advocacy groups emphasize the need for transparency and justice, aiming to ensure that Sgt. Roque’s case is handled thoroughly and fairly. The military community at Fort Leonard Wood, along with Sgt. Roque’s family and friends, remains in mourning as they await answers.