FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (AP) – A soldier has been charged with murder in the death of a fellow soldier at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, the Army announced Thursday.
The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel charged the 21-year-old specialist Wednesday with murder and obstruction of justice in the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23. Roque – a native of Ligonier, Indiana, who worked as a mine detection dog handler – was reported missing on October 20. Her body was discovered two days later in a trash bin on base.
Fort Leonard Wood officials said last week they were investigating Roque’s death as a homicide and had a person of interest in custody last Thursday. Officials also emphasized that there was no broader threat to base personnel or the community.
But Army investigators have released few other details about what happened, including Roque’s cause of death or a possible motive.
Roque enlisted in 2020. Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. She was a member of the 5th Engineer Battalion and enlisted in 2020.
