His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. April 23 (UPI) -- Army Spc. 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). 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 . The command wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Specialist Jakob Aton, and all who have been affected by this tragic accident. Spc. WASHINGTON (AP) The Army said Friday that it has taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at Fort Hood, Texas, in connection with death last year of Spc. 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. (U.S. Army, Bell County Jail). 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. (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. Freddy Delacruz Jr., 23, died March 14, in Killeen, according to Fort Hood. Previous Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across . Published October 12, 2021 9:28pm EDT. After a young mom was gunned down, investigators uncovered a heinous and unholy plot that began at the victim's own home. Army CID officials said foul play was not suspected in Sawyers death but that an investigation was being conducted. 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. SPC Aaron David Robinson, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene on a street in Killeen. Thanks for contacting us. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Bell County Jail records show. The Army had charged a fellow soldier with Guilln's murder, though that soldier killed himself before charges were announced. Because his death occurred off-base, the Killeen Police Department is investigating his killing. The military judge sentenced the accused to. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. He said it "forced us to take a critical look at our systems, our policies, and ourselves. Ivan Lopez [7] On April 2, 2014, a shooting spree was perpetrated at several locations on the Fort Hood military base near Killeen, Texas. Elder Fernandes was reported missing nearly one year to the day after the Aug. 20, 2019, disappearance of Morales. Guillens remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Spc. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. The Fort Bragg Murders At least 44 Fort Bragg soldiers died stateside in 2020 several of them were homicides. Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. The first notable murder in Fort Bragg was by Jeffrey R. Macdonald. The unit sexual assault response coordinator has been working closely with Sgt. While investigating the source of the water, the officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. Guillen, 20, went missing April 22 in a parking lot at the base after her family said she complained of sexual harassment. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) Spc. [2] 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. [5][23] The area had previously been searched by Texas Rangers, detectives, and cadaver dogs on June20 after a burn mound was discovered nearby. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. 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. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas. Specialist Guillens mother said she had enjoyed attending church with her daughter. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. 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. Specialist Guillen was born and raised in Houston with five siblings. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. The 23-year-old Sapulpa, Oklahoma, native, who was days away from being discharged from the Army, vanished after a night out with friends in Killeen. [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. He had gone to a club and met up with friends that night, his mother said. [3] Upon hearing about the discovery, Robinson fled Fort Hood and fatally shot himself when law enforcement attempted to apprehend him in nearby Killeen, Texas. By May Jeong Photography by Devin Oktar Yalkin July 6, 2021 PART ONE: THE MYSTERIES The numbers are distressing. . Police officials said the investigation determined that Rosecrans and Olivares were traveling together in the soldiers Jeep when Rosecrans was killed. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, The Army is scrapping Fort Hood name here's who it will be renamed for, Family of slain Texas soldier seeking $35 million in damages, Army vet gets 18 months for stealing $2.1M in military gear from Texas base, Fort Hood soldier reported missing has been found safe, highest number of soldier murders and sexual assault cases, after collapsing during a training exercise. He entered the Army in March 2017 as a combat engineer, Fort Hood officials said Wednesday. Army Sgt. According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. Hundreds of people gathered to honour Guilln and other victims of sexual violence and mistreatment within the military. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. The sergeants identification was found with the body. My sisters no joke. According to Fox 7, police and firefighters found that the passenger seat in the soldiers Jeep was reclined all the way. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. An automatic rifleman, he had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since December 2017. 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. 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. Maxwell Hockin is seen in this undated photo. 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. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. In her statement to detectives, Falcon said Olivares had talked about selling the gun and about a possible robbery of Rosecrans because Olivares wanted more than Rosecrans was wanting to give.. On July2, Bell County officials stated Aguilar would be transferred to federal custody due to being charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence by the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Texas. 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. By Todd South. Interest in the case has been recently rekindled by the Netflix documentary I Am Vanessa Guillen, released on Nov. 17, which examines her life and death and follows her familys journey for justice. Burned pieces of the case were found near the burial site along the Leon River. Guillen was believed to have been bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow soldier, Spc. Wedel last spoke to her son Aug. 19, 2019, when he called her asking for gas money, she told the Post. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). He was a dedicated professional who truly loved his family and the Army.. Specialist Robinson worked in a building at Fort Hood that was adjacent to where Specialist Guillen worked, according to Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Criminal Investigation Command. 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. 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. The soldier was identified as Spc. 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. Fernandes, Brautigam said in a statement. 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. 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. Hernandezvargas awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon. [3] On July13, 2021, she was indicted on eleven counts by a federal grand jury. Within hours of Sgt. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, a spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division, told NBC News on Saturday that Fernandes had reported improper sexual contact to his superiors. 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. From Texas Standard: Last year's murder of Pfc. She returned to the base Monday. Authorities said a preliminary autopsy indicated his death, like that of Hernandezvargas, appeared to be from drowning. Officials identified the soldier as 26-year-old Spc. Editors note: A body believed to that of Elder Fernandes was found hanging from a tree Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, Texas. [5] Tim Miller, Director of Texas EquuSearch, stated that it was the most sophisticated burial site he had ever seen. 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.. I was kind of ignored.. We've received your submission. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. Aton, 22, died of his injuries Aug. 12 after he was hit by a car as he provided assistance at the scene of an accident in Killeen, the Military Times reported. Cellphone data, video and eyewitness statements put the two men together in the area of the slaying. [34] The mural portrays her with the flags of both the United States and Mexico, the latter due to her Mexican American ethnicity. He was assigned to 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2019. Her car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day, a CID news release said. Aton, 22, of Science Hill, Kentucky, was killed Aug. 12 as he helped at the scene of a minor crash on U.S. Route 190 and Interstate 14 in Killeen. These two people had befriended my son, and the week before (the homicide) had been pretty much leeching off my son, Rosecrans father, Thomas Berg Sr., told Fox 7. [18] CID reported that they found no evidence that Guilln was assaulted, but said investigators believed foul play was involved in her disappearance. On September 12, 1990, Dianne Hood, a 32-year-old mother of three, had just left a lupus support group at a community center in Colorado Springs, Colorado when the unthinkable occurred.A masked assailant in military garb grabbed Hood's purse from behind and then shot her. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. 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. He will truly be missed. 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. Additionally, soldiers have visited local hotels and hospitals throughout central Texas and continue to expand their search efforts.. KCEN-TV in Temple reported that family members have been meeting with Army officials daily as the search for Fernandes continues. Finding Sgt. Vanessa Guillen's death, along with the deaths of several other soldiers shed light on major issues at Fort Hood and some families say they have tried to share their concerns for years Investigators tasked with analyzing failures at Fort Hood, Texas, pointed to NCOs perpetuating a culture of fear. Gregory Morales Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Like Wardrobe, Allred had left the service in January. 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 mysteriously disappeared on April 22, 2020, according to The New York Times. 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. An apparent bullet hole was found in the back passenger door, the news station reported. The person involved in the proposed trade was not the man Olivares blamed for Rosecrans death. The Killeen Police Department, which is investigating Delacruz's death alongside CID, said Delacruz was found . We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. He was allegedly gunned down by 28-year-old Brandon Michael Olivares, although no motive has been released. Army leaders have declined to discuss possible motives for the killing. 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. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his disappearance, was last seen Aug. 17 when a superior dropped him off at a home in Killeen. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida, was found dead July 17 on Stillhouse Hollow Lake. 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. His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. 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. Fernandes left on his own accord, Army officials said. At this time, there is no connection between the disappearance of Sgt. He was an outstanding trooper, Lt. Col. Steven E. Jackowski, commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. "[27], A mural in honor of Guilln was created in her hometown of Houston by a local artist. Officers in the area located the suspect at a nearby convenience store. It was ordered after the murder of Army Specialist . Anyone can read what you share. April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. We resolve every case based on its unique circumstances. Hogan, 19, and Peak, 21, died Feb. 1 from injuries they suffered in a private car crash on Highway 195 in Williamson County. We believe that the suspect had killed himself in the morning, and that unfortunately doesnt provide us much information about how this happened, why this happened. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. The proof is he disappeared. It is unclear what started the altercation. 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. According to Army officials, that was also the last day he was seen alive, driving his black 2018 Kia Rio off-base in Killeen. When Morales remains were found, Wedel said was told her son decomposed in the field, with dust and debris covering his remains as they sank over time into the ground over time. This story has been shared 108,209 times. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. [49], On January26, 2022, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order that established sexual harassment as a specific offense under the UCMJ.[50]. '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. Delacruz, 23, of Vidalia, Georgia, was one of three people killed in a triple homicide March 14 in Killeen. Roy was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. Broadwater was subsequently assigned as deputy commander of V Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Despite her mothers reservations, she decided to enlist at 18. Fort Hood Restricts Base Access After Shooting Incident 7 Feb 2021 Military.com | By Matthew Cox Army officials at Fort Hood, Texas tightened the base's gate security to restrict access. Army staff sergeant convicted of murdering wife with puffer fish poison Army staff sergeant convicted of killing wife with toxin from puffer fish He faces 70 years behind bars and will be. They used my sons phone after they killed him to ask his friends for money for gas, Berg said. Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. A soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas was found dead over the weekend behind a barracks, according to local media reports. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. In 2007, 20-year-old Specialist Kamisha Block deployed to Iraq with a military police unit from Fort Hood but was shot and killed just weeks later by Staff Sgt. [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. 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. 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. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in Rosecrans murder. Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brothers toy pistol. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. by Lloyd Billingsley . [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. In addition, no fewer than five Fort . Atons awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Olivares waited until Rosecrans was asleep to kill him, Falcon told authorities. He was taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail.. We send our most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Private Hogan. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. 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. [35] Another mural is dedicated to her at Taqueria del Sol in the Park Place neighborhood. When Specialist Guillen disappeared, Ms. Aguilar, 22 at the time, was living with Specialist Robinson, according to the complaint. Aaron Robinson escape custody and kill himself. The case remains unresolved, though Stars and Stripes reported that a redacted copy of investigative reports shows a total of 15 people either witnessed Jones killing or were believed to be involved. Apr 16, 2021. What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? Updated Sep 1, 2020. #findelderfernandes pic.twitter.com/nSU46T7IkC. Vannessa Guilln at Fort Hood led to a reckoning within the Army about sexual assault and harassment. [9] Her car keys, identification card, bank card, and barracks key were found inside the armory where she worked. Jun 14, 2021. Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being sexually harassed twice before she was killed The investigation did not find evidence that Guilln's alleged killer had. His awards and decorations include two Army Accommodation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. Each of us in the battalion are grateful for having known him, and we collectively grieve his loss.. Anyone with information on Fernandes whereabouts is asked to contact the Killeen Police Department at 254-526-TIPS (8477), Bell County Crime Stoppers at bellcountycrimestoppers.com, the Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Command (CID) office at 254-287-2722, the Fort Hood MP desk at 254-287-4001 or their local police department. 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. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. 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. "Murnau mit Kirche II" ("Murnau with Church II") set a record price for the Russian artist in a sale at Sotheby's in London on Wednesday . Fort Hood officials said in an update Sunday that "Sewell's family confirmed she is safe and with extended family." An investigation is underway and police say foul play is not suspected. Here are some of the tragic deaths that have plagued the base in recent months: Hogan, 19, and Peak Jr., 21, were both killed in a crash just north of Georgetown on Feb. 1, CBS Austin reported. When they began fighting, Roy opened fire. Two more who had separated from the Army at the base within the previous six months were also slain, according to Stars and Stripes. No foul play was suspected. At approximately 1:40 a.m., officers received another call in reference to a water leak coming from one apartment leading to another.. On July 3, the Army confirmed that the remains were Specialist Guillens. In one of those two cases, the person charged with murder was an active-duty soldier based at Fort Hood.