THE MURDERS AT FORT HOOD Remains of soldiers have been turning up around the Texas military base with terrifying frequency. [41] Guilln's mother stated publicly that she had spoken to witnesses who heard two shots at the moment of Robinson's death, and stated her belief that Robinson was executed by authorities as part of a coverup involving senior members of the military. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. She returned to the base Monday. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report released Friday. 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. 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. At this time, there is no connection between the disappearance of Sgt. Jovino Jamel Roy, who was stationed at the base, news station KWKT reported. An independent panel concluded last December that Fort Hood leaders did not properly address high rates of sex assault, harassment and drug use at the base, and that Army investigators were understaffed and inexperienced. And we believe that the person that killed her is that person that sexually harassed her, the one that walked into the shower. On November 5, 2009, 13 people are killed and more than 30 others are wounded, nearly all of them unarmed soldiers, when a U.S. Army officer goes on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood in central. 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 incident is under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. By May Jeong Photography by Devin Oktar Yalkin July 6, 2021 PART ONE: THE MYSTERIES The numbers are distressing. By Johnny Diaz,Maria Cramer and Christina Morales. 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. Unfortunately, we will probably never have the real answer or the real truth. Fort Hood officials said at a news conference that investigators had been unable to corroborate those claims. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood -- but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report released Friday. Specialist Guillens family has raised allegations that she had been sexually harassed before she was killed. According to Army officials, that was also the last day he was seen alive, driving his black 2018 Kia Rio off-base in Killeen. 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. 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. [5][23] The area had previously been searched by Texas Rangers, detectives, and cadaver dogs on June20 after a burn mound was discovered nearby. Among the senior leaders disciplined were Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, former Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, and Col. Ralph Overland and Command Sgt. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. Ivan Antonio Lopez was identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident, and is. The family of a Texas soldier who was sexually harassed and killed at a military base near Killeen in 2020 filed a lawsuit Friday seeking $35 million in damages from the U.S. government. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. A soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas was found dead over the weekend behind a barracks, according to local media reports. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. 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. FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. A string of suicides, homicides, fatal accidents and criminal behavior has left residents at. Police officials said the investigation determined that Rosecrans and Olivares were traveling together in the soldiers Jeep when Rosecrans was killed. Once dismissed by cynics as a "conspiracy theory the New World Order is rapidly becoming a reality. The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. [22], On June30, 2020, Army investigators were called in when contractors discovered partial human remains along the Leon River in Belton. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. Specialist Guillens case captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures including former President Trump, who met with her family at The White House. Published October 12, 2021 9:28pm EDT. !Guillen", "Killeen Woman Faces Federal Charge in Connection with the Disappearance of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen", "Reward for missing soldier Vanessa Guillen grows to over $50,000 after Latino group and rapper add to it", "Reward for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen doubles to $50,000", "Hundreds rally to seek answers for missing soldier Pfc. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. In 2020 alone, 31 soldiers connected to Fort Hood died, including 11 reported as suicides and five as homicides. 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." On April 24, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command posted a news release asking for the publics help in finding her. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Published: Sep. 22, 2021 at 2:55 PM PDT KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - A criminal complaint affidavit obtained by News 10 states Fort Hood soldier Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, shot and killed the. Elder Fernandes, 23, was last seen by fellow Fort Hood soldiers Aug. 17, 2020, at an off-base home in Killeen, Texas. He did not report to work the following day as scheduled, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. This story has been shared 148,076 times. I always envision myself that something great will happen to me. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Bell County Jail records show. 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. 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. He was an important member of the battalion scout platoon and the battalion and his loss is deeply felt.. [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. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. Killeen police officials said that Jones had been shot at Club Dreams, a strip club about a half-mile from the store. "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 . A future grand jury will decide whether a Fort Hood soldier will have an armed assault charge raised to a murder charge after police said he shot at another soldier, who later died, after the. 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. Jones, 20, died March 1 after he was shot at a strip club in Killeen, several miles from the base, the Army Times reported. Hernandezvargas, 24, was discovered dead Aug. 2 after he disappeared underwater while being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat at the same lake where Mortas body was recovered. His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. Minutes later, police and firefighters were called to a different location about four miles away, where they found Rosecrans Jeep burning, the news station reported. The thoughts and prayers of the soldiers of 215th Brigade Support Battalion and the Greywolf Brigade are with them during this difficult time.. Vanessa Guillen An federal affidavit filed July 2, 2020, details the killing and dismemberment of Army SPC Vanessa Guillen, far left, by fellow soldier SPC Aaron Robinson, center, and his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar. Despite her mothers reservations, she decided to enlist at 18. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the news station reported. So, you know, this, again, shouldnt have happened. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. A new independent report details widespread, systemic problems at Fort Hood, Texas, including a culture that allows sexual assault in the ranks. If you cant say why he murdered her, you cant say he didnt sexually harass her, family attorney Natalie Khawam said. 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. On June 30, 2020, human remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County,. She was last seen around 1:00p.m. on April22, 2020, in the parking lot of her unit, the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (3CR). Ritter is of course heavily censored on mainstream platforms and is widely condemned by officials in the US government, including those in the State Dept. Hernandezvargas, 24, drowned Aug. 2 in a boating accident at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located about 15 miles from Fort Hood. Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, III Corps deputy commanding general, said the investigation includes an assessment of whether the command climate is supportive of soldiers reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the identification of any systemic issues with the SHARP program. 6 min read. His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanics Badge and Army Service Ribbon. Guilln family disputed that finding in an interview Friday. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Brandon Rosecrans 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. One of Rosecrans friends responded, sending $10 via Cash App. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. Further details surrounding his death have not been released. Specialist Guillen was reported missing on April 23, 2020. 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. Army CID officials said foul play was not suspected in Sawyers death but that an investigation was being conducted. . Wardrobe was reportedly romantically involved with Roys wife, the Herald reported. Mortas awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. 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. The People First Task Force briefed reporters Friday on the many changes . Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Additionally, his only known vehicle was located on base at his units parking lot.. Ailiana Fernandes and other family members have traveled to Texas from Massachusetts to seek answers about Elder Fernandes disappearance. Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. On July 10, 2020, Ryan D. McCarthy, the secretary of the Army, ordered an investigation into Fort Hoods command culture after a year of violent deaths, suicides and complaints of sexual harassment on the military base. He entered the Army in March 2017 as a combat engineer, Fort Hood officials said Wednesday. The sergeants identification was found with the body. Peak, of Mount Dora, Florida, entered the Army in June 2017 as an ammunition specialist. 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. Hogan, of Campton, New Hampshire, entered the Army in June 2019 as a cavalry scout. 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. 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. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. View all posts by Nwo Report. Killeen police officials said officers were called around 1 a.m. March 14 to the Summerlyn Apartments, in reference to gunshots. Maxwell Hockin. 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 . Disciplinary measures were also taken against soldiers and leaders assigned below brigade level, however the Army does not, as a matter of policy, "release the names of the battalion level and below commanders and leaders who received administrative action. He was assigned to the 9th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2019. Mejhor brought honor, dignity and respect to our nation, Armstrong said at the memorial, according to the news station. Fernandes, Brautigam said in a statement. Sewell is the latest soldier to disappear from the base after a series of soldiers disappeared in the past few years. [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. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) . April 23 (UPI) -- Army Spc. Fernandes mother, Ailiana Fernandes, told NBC News that her son had been hospitalized for several days prior to his disappearance. This has been a year of bloodshed and heartbreak at Fort Hood in the central Texas city of Killeen. [42], On July10, 2020, the Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy announced that he would order a "full independent review" of Guilln's case. 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.. Saber's death is among multiple incidents at the Texas base in recent years. Fox News Media; . 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. Specialist Aton was a professional, committed to the mission. The family. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. 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. She was found dead July 1 in a shallow grave near Leon River in Bell County, about 20 miles east of Fort Hood. Army leaders have declined to discuss possible motives for the killing. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. All those men and women in our service suffering from sexual harassment, suffering from sexual assault because they report it yet they take it as a joke. Aaron Robinson was the suspect in the murder of Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood. They just assumed the worst and let it go., Gregory Morales Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. Searchers found the dismembered soldier encased in concrete and buried in multiple spots in Belton, along the Leon River. Despite nearly daily prodding from his family, the Army did little to look for Morales, his loved ones said. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. Army Sgt. 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. President Biden apparently thinks they are synonymous with election integrity. Vanessa Guilln's murder at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, last year exposed a pattern of violence and abuse against soldiers at the U.S. military's largest active-duty . 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. . The person involved in the proposed trade was not the man Olivares blamed for Rosecrans death. All division motor pools, parking lots, barracks and HQs buildings have been thoroughly searched. (Bell County Jail). We send our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Christopher Sawyer and the loved ones most closely affected by this tragedy. She said the reason for his hospital stay was unclear. He has black hair and brown eyes. Families want answers. Along with threatening Wardrobe, Roy had busted out the windows of Wardrobes car, the newspaper reported. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. 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. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. #findelderfernandes pic.twitter.com/nSU46T7IkC. Olivares then told detectives he killed Rosecrans because the soldier tried to rape Falcon, the news station reported. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. Spc. 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. On June 5, at a special court-martial convened at Fort Hood, a private (E-1) assigned to 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade was convicted by a military judge, contrary to his pleas, of one specification of larceny in violation of Article 121, UCMJ. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). [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. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. Updated Sep 1, 2020. Morta was buried in Pensacola last week. 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. 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. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. This story has been shared 148,076 times. [14], On May 24, 2022 the Texas Department of Public Safety released a report stating that "Aguilar later explained why Robinson killed Guillen, saying Guillen saw Robinson's cellphone lock screen, which contained a picture of Aguilar. By Marlene Lenthang October 13, 2021, 9:15 AM 2:25 On Location: February 24, 2023 Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. It is unclear what started the altercation. Wednesday, Fort Hood officials said they do not suspect foul play in the death of Spc. Aaron David Robinson, who later killed himself. He was last seen wearing a black Army physical training T-shirt and shorts with black, orange and yellow athletic shoes. Elder Fernandes Army Sgt. A memorial at her home was surrounded by angels and figures of the Virgin Mary, which Specialist Guillen wore on a gold necklace that she never removed. Two more who had separated from the Army at the base within the previous six months were also slain, according to Stars and Stripes. Fort Hood suspends commander of military police . Maxwell Hockin. When they entered the unit, they found Delacruz, Cline and Allred dead. According to Fox 7 in Austin, Rosecrans had been shot four times. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. "[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. The Stallion family is truly devastated by the tragic loss of SPC Freddy Delacruz. [5] Tim Miller, Director of Texas EquuSearch, stated that it was the most sophisticated burial site he had ever seen. [3] Guilln's family felt she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. An investigation is ongoing and officials did not say whether foul play was suspected. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell's family during this difficult time.". Activists called for systematic changes in how the military handles reports of sexual harassment and assault. 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. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.