A person of interest has been taken into custody and a homicide investigation has been opened in connection with the death of a soldier stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in south-central Missouri, authorities said.
The body of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, of Ligonier, Indiana, was found in a garbage bin on Tuesday. She had been reported missing a day earlier after failing to report for formation.
No cause of death was released, but the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division said Friday that her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Roque was a mine dog handler and member of the 5th Engineer Battalion. She signed up in 2020.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commanding general of Fort Leonard Wood, said Roque’s body was found in a dumpster on the base near the living quarters for individual soldiers, CBS affiliate KRCG-TV reported.
Fort Leonardhout
Army officials have not released any further information about the person in custody or a possible motive.
Roque’s military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, the base said.
Major General Beck said in a statement that Roque’s death “has left a huge void” at the army base.
“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the Fort Leonard Wood team are deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Roque’s family, friends and fellow Soldiers,” Beck said in a statement. “Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country with courage and honor.”
