UPDATE: SUSPECT CHARGED IN SARAH ROQUE, FORT LEONARD WOOD MURDER CASE

There is a reasonable expectation of harm for anyone entering the U.S. military. From training injuries to directly being in harm’s way in the middle of a battlefield, there are plenty of risks facing troops while serving—however, the circumstances surrounding Sgt. Sarah Roque remains disturbing as foul play is suspected. Roque was found in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri in what is being investigated as a homicide.

Sgt. Sarah Roque Found in a Dumpster Dead at 23

The Army is investigating the death of 23-year-old Sgt. Sarah Roque as a homicide after discovering her body in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Following the discovery, a person of interest was taken into custody in connection with her death, though this investigation is still ongoing.

Sgt. Roque, remembered as a daughter, sister, friend, and Soldier, had been reported missing after her family and chain of command couldn't reach her.

Roque was found near the barracks for single Soldiers the next day.

Officials have not yet disclosed details about who found her or a suspected cause of death; however, foul play is suspected.

Originally from Ligonier, Indiana, Roque was a bridge crew member and K-9 mine dog handler.

She enlisted in 2020, completing her basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and received several honors, including the Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck expressed that her passing has left a “tremendous void” in the team, extending condolences to her loved ones and fellow Soldiers.

The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division is handling the investigation as the military community processes this tragic loss.

Specialist Wooster Rancy Charged With Murder and Obstruction of Justice

The Army is charging Specialist Wooster Rancy for the murder of Sarah Roque, as well as obstructing justice.

Rancy lives in North Miami, Florida. He has been a Soldier since 2022 and is a combat engineer in the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion.

The charges fall under Article 118, which defines murder, and Article 131b, which deals with the obstruction of justice, of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Keep in mind Spc. Rancy is presumed innocent until proven guilty and as of this writing, the relationship between him and Roque is currently unknown.

He is currently in pretrial confinement, awaiting a preliminary Article 32 hearing to assess the evidence and decide on a court-martial.

Under the UCMJ, Article 32 hearings help protect troops against unfounded charges. It will include an evidence review, witness testimonies, and recommendations from an investigating Officer.

An Unacceptable Loss

“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team is deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow Soldiers of Sergeant Roque,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck.

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend, and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably. Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources, and support to those who are affected during this difficult time,” Beck continued.

It’s clear that the loss of Sarah Roque is a considerable one to not only her friends and family but also her fellow Soldiers.

Unfortunately, while the investigation is ongoing, the loss of Roque comes at a time when the Army is already dealing with a similar case involving the death of a Latina Soldier, Pfc. Katia Dueñas Aguilar.

The Deaths of Sarah Roque and Katia Dueñas Aguilar.

In May 2024, Army Pfc. Katia Dueñas Aguilar was killed in what is believed to be a homicide after she was found with 68 stab wounds near Fort Campbell in Louisiana.

There is still a $55,000 reward for information involving Aguilar’s case, as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) continues to push for justice involving the incident, which as of this writing, still doesn’t have a suspect, motive, or arrest.

It’s never good to speculate on such events but it’s obvious that such optics are terrible for the Army—particularly, this close together.

Going off to war or dying in a training exercise are never good but they are realistic risks connected to the job.

However, being murdered or dying under mysterious circumstances is never acceptable, especially for those putting themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation.

Both Sarah Roque and Katia Dueñas Aguilar deserved better. They still deserve better. May they rest in peace and justice find its way for those living without their daughters, friends, and colleagues amidst these tragedies.

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