A person of interest is in custody and a homicide investigation has been launched in connection with the death of a soldier stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in south-central Missouri, authorities said.
The body of the sergeant. Sarah Roque, 23, of Ligonier, Indiana, was found in a trash can Tuesday. She had been reported missing a day earlier after not showing up for training.
No cause of death has been released, but the Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division said Friday that his death is being investigated as a homicide.
Roque was a mine dog handler and member of the 5th Engineer Battalion. She enlisted in 2020.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commanding general of Fort Leonard Wood, said Roque’s body was found in a dumpster on the base near the single soldiers’ living quarters, affiliate KRCG-TV reported from CBS.
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Army officials did not release further information about the person detained or their potential motive.
Roque’s military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Military Service Ribbon, the base said.
Maj. Gen. Beck said in a statement that Roque’s death “has caused a tremendous void” at the military base.
“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the team at Fort Leonard Wood are deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Roque’s family, friends and fellow Soldiers,” said Beck in a press release. “Sergeant Roque was a daughter, a sister, a friend and a soldier who chose to serve our country with courage and honor.”
