Brandon Rosecrans Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, Texas, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the May 18, 2020, shooting death of PFC Brandon Rosecrans, 27, of Fort Hood. Wedel has been critical of Army officials, who declared Morales a deserter after he vanished. Fort Hood soldier found dead behind barracks, investigation underway View history The murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by another soldier, Aaron David Robinson. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. Specialist Guillens case captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures including former President Trump, who met with her family at The White House. On This Day: Fort Hood shooting leaves 13 dead - UPI Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed in Fort Hood before murder: Army Washington CNN The Army announced Tuesday that 14 senior officers will be punished following a probe that was initiated after the murder of a soldier and several other deaths at the Army's. Fernandes, Brautigam said in a statement. At the request of law enforcement, Aguilar placed a controlled telephone call to Robinson, who said, "Baby, they found pieces", and texted Robinson multiple news articles, to which he never denied anything in response. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the source (of the gunshots), a news release from the department said. Thanks for contacting us. Atons awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. What is behind the violence and tragedy at Fort Hood? She said the reason for his hospital stay was unclear. "[27], A mural in honor of Guilln was created in her hometown of Houston by a local artist. His death is being investigated as a homicide and his mother, Kim Wedel, has said investigators believe he was shot in the face. 24, 2021 KILLEEN, Texas Spc. Her dismembered remains were found June 30, buried in multiple shallow graves about 30 miles from the base. Maxwell Hockin, 26, was discovered. 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. Vanessa Guilln Murder Was One Of Many Deaths, Disappearances On On Nov. 5, 2009, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 people, including 10 military personnel, and injured 31 others in a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas. An entrance sign onto Fort Bragg, N.C., is shown in this 2007 photo. . Delacruz, 23, of Vidalia, Georgia, was one of three people killed in a triple homicide March 14 in Killeen. Confession over murder of Army Spc. Vanessa Guilln upheld - AOL News | forthoodsentinel.com Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. By Johnny Diaz,Maria Cramer and Christina Morales. Pv2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, had been missing since Aug. 20, 2019. Charges Filed in Fort Bragg Beheading Case - Rolling Stone It was ordered after the murder of Army Specialist . THE MURDERS AT FORT HOOD Remains of soldiers have been turning up around the Texas military base with terrifying frequency. Jones, 20, died March 1 after he was shot at a strip club in Killeen, several miles from the base, the Army Times reported. Guillen, 20, went missing April 22 in a parking lot at the base after her family said she complained of sexual harassment. 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. The gate is also the main entry point to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, where Guilln worked in an arms room as a small arms repairer. 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. 6 min read. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, Texas, is charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the May 18, 2020, shooting death of PFC Brandon Rosecrans, 27, of Fort Hood. Aguilar was reported to be the girlfriend of Aaron David Robinson, a specialist ranked enlisted soldier who was one of the last known people to see Guilln on the day of her disappearance and who had previously been interviewed by investigators. My sisters no joke. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Specialist Guillens family has raised allegations that she had been sexually harassed before she was killed. Anyone can read what you share. Elder Fernandes safe a remains the top priority of the 1st Cavalry Division..We ask him to reach out to his leadership, his family, the local police or a nearby hospital or clinic so we can ensure he receives the care he needs. No foul play was suspected. For more on the string of violence at Fort Hood, subscribe now to PEOPLE or. The Army announced that. Maxwell Hockin, who was assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Her death cast a harsh spotlight on the base and its culture, particularly for its handling of sexual assault and harassment, as she told her family that she had been harassed at the base. 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. At approximately 1:40 a.m., officers received another call in reference to a water leak coming from one apartment leading to another.. "The entire Saber family is devastated by the loss of our true teammate and friend Specialist Maxwell Hockin," Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, commander, 91st Engineer Battalion, said in a statement Wednesday. 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. He had been deployed in Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2018 to January 2019. 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. What to Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html. The military failed him by not looking, Wedel told The Washington Post. The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of PVT Mejhor Morta, Armstrong said in a news release. Foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. 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. The first notable murder in Fort Bragg was by Jeffrey R. Macdonald. Wardrobe, 20, who was a former Fort Hood soldier, was allegedly shot dead March 23 in a dispute with 22-year-old Spc. By Marlene Lenthang October 13, 2021, 9:15 AM 2:25 On Location: February 24, 2023 Catch up on the developing stories making headlines. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images) 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. 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. 7 candidates seek four Killeen City Council seats; forum set for Monday We send our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Christopher Sawyer and the loved ones most closely affected by this tragedy. 2014 Fort Hood shootings - Wikipedia #findelderfernandes pic.twitter.com/nSU46T7IkC. By May Jeong Photography by Devin Oktar Yalkin July 6, 2021 PART ONE: THE MYSTERIES The numbers are distressing. 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. Jennifer Sewell, who was believed to be missing after she failed to report for duty on Oct. 7. Hockin had been at the Texas base since July 2017, where he was assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion. (Robinson) told her he was worried about getting in trouble for violating the Army's fraternization rules since Aguilar was still married to another soldier and he hit Guillen in the head with a hammer. At this time, there is no connection between the disappearance of Sgt. 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. 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. There are four deceased Soldiers and 16 wounded from a shooting incident on Fort Hood April 2. Family hopeful for answers after police reopen case into Fort Hood soldier's death By Olivia Levada Texas PUBLISHED 4:24 PM CT Apr. Guillen was believed to have been bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow soldier, Spc. [43], On July30, 2020, Guillen's family met with President Donald Trump regarding her murder. Berg told the station Olivares and Falcon used his sons cellphone after he was killed. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) . [6] On November 29, 2022 Aguilar plead guilty to accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of making a false statement.[7]. According to Fox 7, police and firefighters found that the passenger seat in the soldiers Jeep was reclined all the way. Olivares girlfriend, Estrellita Hidalgo Falcon, 37, also of Killeen, is charged with hindering prosecution and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He had been detained by his unit at the request of a CID agent under the pretense of violating COVID-19 quarantine rules. Eight senior commanders were fired but no criminal charges were brought against any of the soldiers as a result of the investigation, military leaders said. An investigation is ongoing and authorities suspect foul play. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. Cellphone data, video and eyewitness statements put the two men together in the area of the slaying. 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. Robinson died by suicide before his arrest, preventing him from facing charges. Hockin. Our priority right now is to take care of his family, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.. Fort Hood Restricts Base Access After Shooting Incident 7 Feb 2021 Military.com | By Matthew Cox Army officials at Fort Hood, Texas tightened the base's gate security to restrict access. [38][39], In 2022 the Park Place post office was renamed after Guilln. By Todd South. Rosecrans, 27, of Kimberling City, Missouri, was found slain May 18 on the side of a road in Harker Heights, Texas. An apparent bullet hole was found in the back passenger door, the news station reported. Army report finds Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln reported being sexually harassed twice before she was killed The investigation did not find evidence that Guilln's alleged killer had. She was found dead July 1 in a shallow grave near Leon River in Bell County, about 20 miles east of Fort Hood. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Commentary: Joe Biden's Domestic Terrorism Backstory April Rubin, Michael Levenson, Bryan Pietsch and Christopher Mele contributed reporting. 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. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 12 Fort Hood soldiers who have vanished, died, or, in one case, turned up dead after going missing last year. Four people, including the gunman, were killed while 14 additional people were injured; 12 by gunshot wounds. All division motor pools, parking lots, barracks and HQs buildings have been thoroughly searched. 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. In addition, no fewer than five Fort . 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. 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. Traffic flows through the main gate past a welcome sign, July 9, 2013, in Fort Hood, Texas. Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, III Corps deputy commanding general, said the investigation includes an assessment of whether the command climate is supportive of soldiers reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault and the identification of any systemic issues with the SHARP program. A soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas was found dead over the weekend behind a barracks, according to local media reports. The Army blamed officials for letting Guillns killer Spc. 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. Last year, at least 39. He was a dedicated professional who truly loved his family and the Army.. But the Army isn't giving any By Seth Harp Illustration by. In 2020 alone, 31 soldiers connected to Fort Hood died, including 11 reported as suicides and five as homicides. Investigators offered no motive for the murder, but concluded that Robinson did not sexually harass Guilln. When they entered the unit, they found Delacruz, Cline and Allred dead. Officials identified the soldier as 26-year-old Spc. The 20-year-old was missing for about two months before her remains were found buried in a shallow grave last year. Maxwell Hockin. Robinson killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him. 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. [5], Later that evening, at around 8:30p.m., authorities re-interviewed Cecily Anne Aguilar, a local woman who was the estranged wife of a soldier at Fort Hood. Two more who had separated from the Army at the base within the previous six months were also slain, according to Stars and Stripes. Fernandes, who had reported sexual abuse prior to his disappearance, was last seen Aug. 17 when a superior dropped him off at a home in Killeen. Wardrobe, who was found lying in the front yard of a home, had been shot repeatedly. His skeletal remains were found June 19 in a field about four miles from the base. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine, prosecutors said. [3][4][5], Cecily Aguilar, a local woman identified by authorities as Robinson's girlfriend, was taken into custody and is alleged to have assisted him in dismembering and burying Guilln's body. Disciplinary measures were also taken against soldiers and leaders assigned below brigade level, however the Army does not, as a matter of policy, "release the names of the battalion level and below commanders and leaders who received administrative action. Each of us in the battalion are grateful for having known him, and we collectively grieve his loss.. Army CID officials said foul play was not suspected in Sawyers death but that an investigation was being conducted. Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Crime Stoppers website or at cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. Army Pfc. Army Investigating How Fort Hood Soldier Found Unresponsive Behind The tip that led authorities to his remains came in days later. Marshals and Killeen police officers closed in on a suspect, the man, an active duty junior soldier, turned a gun on himself and pulled the trigger. (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command). Aaron David Robinson, who later killed himself. Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, who was stationed at the base, news station KWKT reported. And I want justice, and I want answers.. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in Bell County, Texas, on a charge of murder in the death. Maj. Bradley Knapp. November 8, 2021 November 7, 2021 Admin. Thousands of soldiers searched in buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes and trails at Fort Hood. Army Sgt. [2] Guilln had been missing for over two months when some of her dismembered remains were found buried along the Leon River on June30. His name was later added to the official list of Army deserters. [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. 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. He was allegedly gunned down by 28-year-old Brandon Michael Olivares, although no motive has been released. Prosecutors declined to tell Stars and Stripes why the grand jury failed to indict. [14] Multiple Fort Hood units, including 3CR, began searching the area within two weeks of her disappearance. 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. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and purple fitness-type pants.. 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. Hours after the grisly discovery, as U.S. We are deeply saddened by the loss of any member of our IRONHORSE team and we will mourn this loss as an organization, said Col. Michael Schoenfeldt, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Army PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, vanished Aug. 20, 2019. An federal affidavit filed July 2, 2020, details the killing and dismemberment of Army SPC Vanessa Guillen, far left, by fellow soldier SPC Aaron Robinson, center, and his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar. My sisters a human being. [5] Tim Miller, Director of Texas EquuSearch, stated that it was the most sophisticated burial site he had ever seen. His awards and decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in Rosecrans murder. Olivares claimed the man had used his gun, a 9mm Ruger he said hed sold the unnamed person. Commentary: The History of Jim Crow Laws Shows Modern Comparisons Are 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). "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 . One of Rosecrans friends responded, sending $10 via Cash App. His body was found at the base of the dam, according to a news release from the Bell County Sheriffs Department, which is investigating the case. 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. The 23-year-old Sapulpa, Oklahoma, native, who was days away from being discharged from the Army, vanished after a night out with friends in Killeen. At least 15 soldiers at Fort Hood have disappeared or . The sergeants identification was found with the body. Last year, at least 39 Fort Hood soldiers vanished or died, including 13. [45] The investigation found that there was a "permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment at Fort Hood. 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. 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. Robinson shot and killed himself in Killeen as officers moved in to arrest him June 30. Specialist Robinson later said he read her the serial numbers and gave her paperwork, according to court documents. Military officials have said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance. 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. While investigating the source of the water, the officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. Fernandes and any other ongoing cases at Fort Hood.. He was assigned to the 9th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2019. A witness told investigators that Specialist Guillen left the arms room where she had been working and went to the arms room controlled by Specialist Robinson to confirm serial numbers for weapons and equipment, the complaint said.