Chilling new details have emerged in the case of the missing Missouri soldier who was found dead in a dumpster shortly after mysteriously disappearing from an Army base.
The body of Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, who was stationed at the US Army Base Ford Leonard Wood, was found in a dumpster on Monday evening after she failed to report for duty that morning.
On Thursday, Army officials posted the latest update on Facebook: A person of interest was taken into custody in connection with the killing.
No other information was shared, including the person’s name and whether they were also military.
“The incident remains under investigation by the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division,” the post said. “Updates will be provided as they become available.”
Sergeant Sarah Roque (pictured), 23, disappeared from the US army base Fort Leonard Wood and was found dead on Monday evening in a dumpster near homes for lone soldiers
Attempts by Roque’s chain of command and family to contact the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen at the base
Roque, who served as a mine dog handler with the K9 detachment, was reported missing after she failed to show up for morning formation.
Efforts by her chain of command and family to contact the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen on base. NPR reported.
Fort Leonard Wood has issued a “be on the lookout” alert, urging the public and other law enforcement agencies to assist in locating the 23-year-old.
Shortly after she was first reported missing, her body was found in a dumpster next to lone soldiers’ housing.
While the cause of death remains unknown, Christopher Beck, the major general, said at a news conference Thursday that it is being considered a possible homicide.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is now working with the FBI and other agencies to further investigate the case.
Army officials said they are still awaiting the results of Roque’s autopsy, which will provide more insight into her bizarre death, NPR reported.
Army officials said Thursday that a person of interest is in custody, but no further details have been provided
Roque was stationed at Ford Leonard Wood U.S. Army Base in central Missouri and was originally reported missing Monday after she failed to report for duty
Located in central Missouri, Fort Leonard Wood is a military installation that trains more than 80,000 people annually.
Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, enlisted in 2020 and attended basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood.
Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“As a commander and leader, this is a tragedy,” Major General Beck said at the conference: the NY Post reported.
“This is something that we never want to happen, we never want the family to have to go through this, or the unit to have to go through this.”
“Sarah not only served our country courageously and honorably as a soldier, she was also a daughter, a sister and a friend to many.”
Major General Beck went on to describe Roque as a woman who served with the greatest honor and distinction.
Christopher Beck, the major general, said at a news conference on Thursday that her death is being treated as a possible homicide, but the cause of death is still unknown.
She was “described by her colleagues as tough and proud of everything she did and proud to serve our country,” the major general added. “The community of Fort Leonard Wood is devastated by this tragic loss.”
“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country with courage and honor. Her passing has left a tremendous void within our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those affected during this difficult time.”
Her hometown in Indiana, Ligonier, asked local businesses and residents Thursday to fly red flags at half-staff until Roque’s funeral as a way to recognize and honor the soldier, NPR reported.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Sergeant Sarah Roque and to the entire Fort Leonard Wood community,” said Missouri Congressman Mark Alford.
“Sergeant Roque was a dedicated soldier whose patriotic service earned her multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. We mourn with all those affected by this tragedy, and we stand with them at this terrible time.”