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Authorities have charged Spc. Wooster Rancy with murder and obstructing justice nearly two weeks after finding U.S. Army Sergeant Sarah Roque deceased in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. PEOPLE reports that Rancy faced these charges on Oct. 30.
Per PEOPLE, officials believe Sergeant Sarah Roque was killed on Oct. 20. They reported her missing on Monday, Oct. 21 after she didn’t show up for duty. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, officials confirmed finding the 23-year-old’s body in a dumpster through apress release.
Army officials report that Spc. Wooster Rancy currently remains in pretrial confinement and awaits a preliminary hearing. It remains unclear whether Rancy has entered a plea or hired an attorney to represent him.
The FBI, Army CID, and other law enforcement agencies are investigating Sarah Roque’s death as a homicide, per ABC News. According to PEOPLE, Fort Leonard Wood officials revealed on Thursday, October 24, that authorities have arrested a person of interest allegedly connected to Roque’s death. However, the person’s identity remains undisclosed at this time.
During an Oct. 24 press conference, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck called Roque’s death a tragedy and said it was something they hoped would never happen.
“As a commander and a leader, this is a tragedy,” Beck said. “This is something that we never want to happen, we never want for the family to have to endure, or for the unit to have to endure.”
Additionally, Beck expressed that the Fort Leonard Wood team feels heartbroken over Sarah’s passing.
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, Beck said in a statement.
Sarah Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, relocated to Fort Leonard Wood to complete Basic Combat Training, according to PEOPLE. The 23-year-old served as a bridge crewmember and mine dog handler with the K9 detachment in the Fifth Engineer Battalion, as noted by Army officials. Since enlisting in 2020, Roque has earned multiple awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck spoke about the impact of losing Sarah, stating that her absence leaves a huge void for the Fort Leonard Wood team. He also emphasized their ongoing support for everyone during this difficult time.
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 said in a statement.
