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The deadly collision occurred when, for unknown reasons, their car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck another vehicle, authorities said. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. In August of this year, Natalie Khawam, a lawyer for the Guillen family, filed a $35 million lawsuit against the United States Army for sexual assault and the wrongful death of Specialist Guillen, Ms. Khawam said. Among the reports findings: Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed, but not by Specialist Robinson, and that he had also been accused of unrelated sexual harassment. In December 2020, the Army announced14 senior leaders and enlisted personnel at Fort Hoodwere fired or suspended following an independent panel's review of the command climate and culture at the base. Guillen, 20, was slain April 22, 2020, at Fort Hood, the Texas military base where she was stationed. He has black hair and brown eyes. Vanessa Guillen murder: Demonstrators carry a banner demanding justice for slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen during the Black and Brown Unity March July 12, 2020, in Los Angeles. Fernandes, a native of the Republic of Cabo Verde, is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade, authorities said. Jones entered the Army in May 2017 as a cavalry scout and had been assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment since August 2018, according to Fort Hood officials. Wardrobes killing was the third to involve soldiers within a month in Killeen, which is located just outside the gates of Fort Hood. In 2020 alone, 31 soldiers connected to Fort Hood died, including 11 reported as suicides and five as homicides. are assisting Somali soldiers fighting Al Shabab, and by a health care system that utterly failed him, The case has irritated U.S. relations with a crucial military ally. Cline, who was Delacruzs girlfriend, was pregnant when she was killed. The punishments are the latest Army moves in response to Guillns disappearance and death. His death is being investigated as a homicide. His death is being investigated as a homicide and his mother, Kim Wedel, has said investigators believe he was shot in the face. The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. Fort Hood officials said Hernandezvargas, a native of Woodside, New York, had been in the Army since May 2017. SPC Aaron David Robinson, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene on a street in Killeen. FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Army is putting a civilian in charge of its criminal investigations, adding staff and freeing up more agents to work on cases, in a plan to address widespread failures. This story has been shared 108,209 times. They just assumed the worst and let it go., Gregory Morales Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. Hernandezvargas, 24, drowned Aug. 2 in a boating accident at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located about 15 miles from Fort Hood. Authorities initially said Guillen, 20, of Houston, had last been seen in the parking lot of the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters. [5][23] The area had previously been searched by Texas Rangers, detectives, and cadaver dogs on June20 after a burn mound was discovered nearby. Falcon told police those allegations were not true. One of Rosecrans friends responded, sending $10 via Cash App. Vanessa Guillen: Army confirms sexual harassment of slain soldier as 21 disciplined at Fort Hood By Crystal Bonvillian, Cox Media Group National Content Desk May 04, 2021 at 1:50 pm PDT NOW. Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 06:32, Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation, United States Attorney's Office Western District of Texas, "Grand jury indicts Cecily Aguilar on 11 counts in Vanessa Guillen murder trial", "Vanessa Guillen bludgeoned to death by fellow soldier, attorney says; suspect ID'd as Calumet City man", "Civilian charged in plot to dismember and hide remains of murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen", "Pfc. [21] On July 27, 2020, Guilln's mother, who had previously been detained for illegal immigration, was granted parole in place by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the assistance of Garcia and immigration attorney Luis Gomez Alfaro. They used that to buy the gas to burn his car, Berg said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Vanessa Guillen was murdered in April 2020, bludgeoned to death with a hammer in an arms room, U.S. Army investigation released in April. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported that Aton was standing in the roadway, directing traffic around the involved vehicles, when he was struck by a driver who did not see him in time to avoid him. In the 1970s, a 26-year-old army doctor fatally stabbed his pregnant wife, 5-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old daughter, as reported in The Fayetteville Observer. Fort Hood is the same Army base where Vanessa Guillen was murdered in April 2020, in a case that engrossed the nation. Here are some of the tragic deaths that have plagued the base in recent months: Hogan, 19, and Peak Jr., 21, were both killed in a crash just north of Georgetown on Feb. 1, CBS Austin reported. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. The investigation found major flaws at Fort Hood and a command climate that was permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault, said Mr. McCarthy. An apparent bullet hole was found in the back passenger door, the news station reported. Vanessa Guilln, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found. [38][39], In 2022 the Park Place post office was renamed after Guilln. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report. Moore, a 36-year-old Texas Army National Guard soldier, died in a training accident while completing a land navigation course Aug. 13 at the base. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. An independent panel concluded last December that Fort Hood leaders did not properly address high rates of sex assault, harassment and drug use at the base, and that Army investigators were understaffed and inexperienced. Morales clothing was shredded and scattered, she said. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. Hockin. Family hopeful for answers after police reopen case into Fort Hood soldier's death By Olivia Levada Texas PUBLISHED 4:24 PM CT Apr. Further details surrounding his death have not been released. Fernandes left on his own accord, Army officials said. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. She was missing for months until some of her remains were found buried along the Leon River in June 2020. Hours after the grisly discovery, as U.S. Gregory Morales Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, center, gets feedback from soldiers about their concerns at Fort Hood, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. We believe that the suspect had killed himself in the morning, and that unfortunately doesnt provide us much information about how this happened, why this happened. These two people had befriended my son, and the week before (the homicide) had been pretty much leeching off my son, Rosecrans father, Thomas Berg Sr., told Fox 7. By Todd South. [24][25] In the early hours of July1, Killeen police located and attempted to make contact with Robinson, who produced a handgun and killed himself before he could be taken into custody. The Army announced that it had taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at the troubled Texas base in connection with Guillns murder. The base was determined earlier this month to have the highest number of soldier murders and sexual assault cases among all Army installations, prompting officials to vow to investigate the root causes., Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announced the independent probe into the bases climate, saying he hoped it would help them better understand why this is happening in this installation., We are getting an outside look to help us to get to those root causes and understanding so we can make those changes, he said. Guillen, 20, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in an arms room on April 22, 2020, authorities said. Philipps, Dave (April 30, 2021) Military Missteps Allowed Soldier Accused of Murder to Flee, Report Says. (Eric Gay/AP) Grinston, along with other Army . Elder Fernandes was reported missing nearly one year to the day after the Aug. 20, 2019, disappearance of Morales. Her car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day, a CID news release said. This story has been shared 148,076 times. On September 12, 1990, Dianne Hood, a 32-year-old mother of three, had just left a lupus support group at a community center in Colorado Springs, Colorado when the unthinkable occurred.A masked assailant in military garb grabbed Hood's purse from behind and then shot her. Army Sgt. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. Jones, 20, died March 1 after he was shot at a strip club in Killeen, several miles from the base, the Army Times reported. Elder Fernandes Army Sgt. More recently, a spate of missing and slain soldiers has plagued the base, where multiple investigations into the command climate and culture have been launched following allegations of rampant sexual harassment and abuse. The couple buried the remains near the Leon River, it said. Justice Department officials said in court documents that Specialist Robinson told Ms. Aguilar that he repeatedly struck Specialist Guillen on the head with a hammer, killing her, and hid her body in a large box. On July 2, a charge was brought against another soldier at Fort Hood, Aaron Robinson, who killed himself. FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- U.S. Army officials at Fort Hood have identified a soldier who was found dead Saturday behind his company barracks. The discovery in 2020 of the dismembered and burned remains of Vanessa Guillen, a Fort Hood soldier who disappeared on April 22, 2020, sparked outrage from central Texas to Washington. The woman accused of helping her Fort Hood Army soldier boyfriend dismember and dispose of Spc. This story has been shared 148,076 times. He is being held without bond on the murder charge. The family. Searchers found the dismembered soldier encased in concrete and buried in multiple spots in Belton, along the Leon River. Ivan Antonio Lopez was identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident, and is. As a result of the report on investigations findings, released on Dec. 8, 2020, 14 Army officials at Fort Hood were either fired or suspended, including several high-ranking leaders. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool. Had Munley not taken action, the death toll likely would have been much higher. Published: Oct. 12, 2021 at 4:48 PM PDT FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Specialist Maxwell Hockin, 26, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood, was found dead behind his company barracks over the weekend, according to officials at Fort Hood. Authorities said Olivares story kept changing as he told detectives hed left Rosecrans alive near his Jeep, then told them another man had shot the soldier on a trip back from San Antonio. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. KCEN-TV reported that Mortas colleagues remembered him Wednesday at a memorial service held on Fort Hood. Army officials confirmed on Saturday that the sergeant had been the alleged victim of abusive sexual contact, NBC News reported. The command wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of Specialist Jakob Aton, and all who have been affected by this tragic accident. Aguilar is charged with federal crimes in connection with Guillen's April 22 death. She returned to the base Monday. Aguilar is accused of helping Robinson cut Guillens body into pieces with a machete and an ax, burn her remains and bury them. [3], On the evening of June30, Robinson escaped the custody of an unarmed guard from his unit and fled Fort Hood after hearing the news of the discovery of remains. Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22, 2020, in the parking lot of her squadrons headquarters at Fort Hood. [36] Multiple people also wrote corridos (songs) about her. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Satanist neo-Nazi sentenced to 45 years for plot to kill fellow US soldiers, US Army vet, 28, dies fighting in Ukraine: family, Famed military school alumni at war with superintendent over his diversity policies, Live Civil War artillery shell found at Gettysburg, could have killed a dozen people: report. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood -- but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report released Friday. An investigation is ongoing and authorities suspect foul play. Within hours of Sgt. [3] Upon hearing about the discovery, Robinson fled Fort Hood and fatally shot himself when law enforcement attempted to apprehend him in nearby Killeen, Texas. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in Bell County, Texas, on a charge of murder in the death. Authorities said a preliminary autopsy indicated his death, like that of Hernandezvargas, appeared to be from drowning. It is unclear what started the altercation. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. [8], On July6, 2020, at city hall in Richmond, California, a memorial of candles along with tea lights spelling out Vanessa were displayed in front of a makeshift altar. [20] The authorities said that more than 300 interviews and over 10,000 hours were spent investigating Guilln's disappearance. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). Hasan was convicted in 2013 of 13 counts of murder and 32 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to death. Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished April 22, 2020, from Fort Hood, where she was stationed and worked as a small arms and artillery repairer. What are "Jim Crow" laws? The Texas military installation, on which Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan killed 13 people and injured 32 others in a 2009 mass shooting, has seen more than its share of bloodshed. WASHINGTON (AP) The Army said Friday that it has taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at Fort Hood, Texas, in connection with death last year of Spc. Paul Brandon Norris, who - in the . View all posts by Nwo Report. Aaron Robinson, who took his own life when confronted by police after her remains were discovered, authorities said at the time. LONDON (AP) A painting by Wassily Kandinsky that spent decades in a Dutch museum after its Jewish owner was murdered in the Holocaust has sold at auction for 37.2 million pounds ($44.9 million). President Biden apparently thinks they are synonymous with election integrity. The Thunder Battalion is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of PVT Eric Hogan, said Lt. Col. Ronald Sprang, Commander, 2-12 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. KCEN-TV in Temple reported that family members have been meeting with Army officials daily as the search for Fernandes continues. Once dismissed by cynics as a "conspiracy theory the New World Order is rapidly becoming a reality. Hockin's awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, officials said. The embattled Fort Hood Army base in Texas has grappled with at least 16 deaths this year in what has become a series of mysterious disappearances and fatal incidents. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. Hogan, of Campton, New Hampshire, entered the Army in June 2019 as a cavalry scout. [14] Multiple Fort Hood units, including 3CR, began searching the area within two weeks of her disappearance. His selfless service and care for others are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Lightning Brigade and our Army, said Col. Ethan Hall, commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. [13] Guilln's mother advised her to report the matter, but she responded that "she could put a stop to it herself"[16] out of fear that her mother would be harmed for making a report. Robinson, 20, was identified as a suspect in the disappearance of Guillen as an attorney for the victims family claimed he also attacked Guillen with a hammer and dismembered her body with a machete. The proof is he disappeared. Maxwell Hockin. Anyone can read what you share. In 2014, five years after Hasans killing rampage, Iraq War veteran and Army veteran SPC Ivan Lopez opened fire on the base, killing three soldiers and injuring another 16 before killing himself. Stars and Stripes November 12, 2021 Fort Hood soldier Cpl. On April 24, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command posted a news release asking for the publics help in finding her. According to Fox 7 in Austin, Rosecrans had been shot four times. Army Pfc. Additionally, his only known vehicle was located on base at his units parking lot.. #findelderfernandes pic.twitter.com/nSU46T7IkC. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. Minutes later, police and firefighters were called to a different location about four miles away, where they found Rosecrans Jeep burning, the news station reported. Specialist Robinson worked in a building at Fort Hood that was adjacent to where Specialist Guillen worked, according to Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Criminal Investigation Command. [5] Investigators theorized that the remains, previously buried under concrete, had been dug up by wildlife. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. The Army announced that. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). According to The Associated Press, Hernandezvargas went under as he was being pulled on an inner tube behind a motorboat on the lake. Specialist Shelby Jones was a highly valued member of the Brave Rifles team, and his loss is profoundly felt by all of his friends and fellow troopers in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, regiment commander Col. Ralph Overland said. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Wednesday, Fort Hood officials said they do not suspect foul play in the death of Spc. According to Killeen police officials, the men were in a fight that became physical. Maxwell Hockin is seen in this undated photo. by Lloyd Billingsley . On June 5, at a special court-martial convened at Fort Hood, a private (E-1) assigned to 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade was convicted by a military judge, contrary to his pleas, of one specification of larceny in violation of Article 121, UCMJ. Command Sgt. Delacruz, 23, of Vidalia, Georgia, was one of three people killed in a triple homicide March 14 in Killeen. According to Army officials, that was also the last day he was seen alive, driving his black 2018 Kia Rio off-base in Killeen. Ms. Aguilar told investigators that Specialist Robinson had picked her up late on April 22 or early on April 23 at the gas station where she worked. She pleaded guilty in November and faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. "Murnau mit Kirche II" ("Murnau with Church II") set a record price for the Russian artist in a sale at Sotheby's in London on Wednesday . His skeletal remains were found June 19, 2020, in a Killeen field about four miles from the base, and authorities say foul play was involved in his death. Aton entered the Army in March 2018 as an Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer and had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade since August 2018, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. He was taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail.. 6 min read. Here is what we know about each of the soldiers. The point of emphasis being that we are going to put every resource and all of the energy we can in this entire institution behind fixing these problems.. Unlike Fernandes, Guillen had not reported her allegations to base officials. An automatic rifleman, he had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since December 2017. Killeen man sentenced to life in prison in murder case over 'weed . Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. (U.S. Army), Information gathered from fellow soldiers indicates Sgt. The numbers are high here. [23] According to a criminal complaint filed in the Western District Court of Texas, Aguilar allegedly helped Robinson dismember and dispose of Guilln's body on April22, 2020, after Robinson told her he had bludgeoned Guilln to death with a hammer inside the armory. A memorial at her home was surrounded by angels and figures of the Virgin Mary, which Specialist Guillen wore on a gold necklace that she never removed. My sisters no joke. On July2, 2020, Aguilar was charged with one federal count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Four people, including the gunman, were killed while 14 additional people were injured; 12 by gunshot wounds. Two more who had separated from the Army at the base within the previous six months were also slain, according to Stars and Stripes. Roy was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month. Specialist Hernandezvargas served his country honorably, both stateside while at Fort Hood and abroad in Korea and Romania, and this tragic loss is felt by every member within our formation.. Morta was buried in Pensacola last week. The first notable murder in Fort Bragg was by Jeffrey R. Macdonald. He was assigned to 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2019. And we believe that the person that killed her is that person that sexually harassed her, the one that walked into the shower. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. An investigation is underway and police say foul play is not suspected. The murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by another soldier, Aaron David Robinson. Sewell is the latest soldier to disappear from the base after a series of soldiers disappeared in the past few years. A long-awaited U.S. Army investigation released in April determined she had been sexually harassed by a supervisor, but the incidents of harassment were not related to her murder. All division motor pools, parking lots, barracks and HQs buildings have been thoroughly searched. It was not until Guillens disappearance, and a subsequent reward for information on her whereabouts, that Fort Hood offered an identical reward in Morales disappearance. Previous Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across . My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. He did not report to work the following day as scheduled, Fort Hood officials said in a news release. Maj. Bradley Knapp. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his. FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, has approved and taken action on the investigation conducted by Gen. John Murray, commanding general of. His body was removed from the Jeep and left on the side of the road. During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots at the victim and fled the area, a news release from the police department said. Ms. Aguilar said she helped Specialist Robinson dismember the body with an ax or hatchet and a machete-style knife, according to the complaint. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) But, we know our son was only trying to be friends with someone for this to happen to him, and that breaks our heart, Berg said. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. [41] Guilln's mother stated publicly that she had spoken to witnesses who heard two shots at the moment of Robinson's death, and stated her belief that Robinson was executed by authorities as part of a coverup involving senior members of the military. His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanics Badge and Army Service Ribbon. Allred was an Army veteran, according to Stars and Stripes. Guillen, whose disappearance and death made national headlines and prompted multiple investigations of sexual harassment on Fort Hood, vanished April 22 from the base, where she was a small arms and artillery repairer for the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. Wardrobe, who was found lying in the front yard of a home, had been shot repeatedly. And now shes not with us. Just say the hashtag, #IamVanessaGuillen. Fernandes, ensuring he was aware of all his reporting, care, and victim advocacy options., Fernandes had also been transferred to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.. [3] On July13, 2021, she was indicted on eleven counts by a federal grand jury. [18] On June13, 2020, hundreds of people assembled at the gates of Fort Hood to protest what organizers felt was a lack of information on the case. Morales entered the Army in June 2015 as a motor transport operator and had been assigned to the 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2016. [43], On July30, 2020, Guillen's family met with President Donald Trump regarding her murder. Because his death occurred off-base, the Killeen Police Department is investigating his killing. Fort Hood suspends commander of military police . This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. Army enacts changes on sex assault response, investigations and more after Fort Hood scandal. Hernandezvargas awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon. Police officers performed life-saving measures but Jones died at the scene. Aton, 22, of Science Hill, Kentucky, was killed Aug. 12 as he helped at the scene of a minor crash on U.S. Route 190 and Interstate 14 in Killeen. Killeen police officials said officers were called around 1 a.m. March 14 to the Summerlyn Apartments, in reference to gunshots. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. His awards and decorations include two Army Accommodation Medals, National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.