A soldier, Specialist Wooster Rancy, has been charged with murder in connection to the death of 23-year-old Sergeant Sarah Roque, whose body was found inside a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Roque was reported missing on October 21, after her family and chain of command were unable to contact her. Her body was discovered the next day near barracks for single soldiers on the base. Rancy, a combat engineer with the 5th Engineer Battalion, is currently being held in pretrial confinement awaiting a preliminary hearing while the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate. It remains unclear if Rancy and Roque knew each other, and a motive for the murder has not yet been determined.
Rancy, originally from North Miami, Florida, joined the Army in 2022 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood. Roque, on the other hand, was from Ligonier, Indiana, and served as a bridge crew member and mine dog handler with the K-9 detachment of the 5th Engineer Battalion. She enlisted in 2020 and received several awards and decorations for her service. Roque’s death has caused a “tremendous void” in the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team, according to base officials. They offered condolences to Roque’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers, describing her as a brave and honorable soldier who chose to serve her country.
The Army continues to investigate Roque’s murder and has not yet determined a motive for the crime. Roque’s death comes after the brutal killing of Army Pfc. Katia Dueñas Aguilar in May near Fort Campbell in Louisiana. Dueñas suffered 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body, and her death was ruled a homicide. Despite the autopsy report, no suspect has been named, no motive identified, and no arrests made in Dueñas’ case. Both cases highlight the dangers faced by military personnel, even within the confines of a military base. The deaths of Roque and Dueñas have raised concerns about the safety and security of service members and the need for ongoing investigations to ensure justice is served.
The loss of Roque has deeply saddened the Fort Leonard Wood community, with base officials expressing their condolences and offering support to those affected by her passing. Roque’s death has caused shock and grief among her colleagues and loved ones, as they grapple with the loss of a dedicated soldier and friend. The investigation into her murder continues, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to her death and determine the motives behind the crime. The Army is committed to seeking justice for Roque and ensuring that those responsible for her death are held accountable for their actions.
As the investigation into Roque’s murder progresses, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding her death and the factors that may have led to such a tragic outcome. The lack of a clear motive and the uncertainty surrounding Rancy’s connection to Roque add complexity to the case. The Army Criminal Investigation Division’s ongoing work is crucial in shedding light on what happened and why, providing closure to Roque’s family and colleagues, and ensuring that justice is served. The deaths of Roque and Dueñas underscore the risks faced by military personnel both on and off duty, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect those who serve their country.
