Online there was a group of young teens bragging about breaking into houses of soldiers. It's a hated assignment, to be posted there. A number of service members have died or gone missing while stationed at the Army post just outside Killeen, Texas, in recent years, including 20-year-old Spc. [8] Robinson "was not in CID custody" at the time he left his post.[8]. Who Knew? Texas authorities are looking into allegations that Vanessa was sexually harassed before she disappeared. View our online Press Pack. [8], According to CID,[8] Guilln was last seen in the parking lot of her barracks at Fort Hood on April 22. Elder Fernandes, who was found hanging from a tree over the summer, as well as Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, a 24-year-old soldier who drowned near the base. Published [19], Mayra Guilln, sister of Vanessa, said, "Whoever is responsible has to pay, and we demand a congressional investigation. Isaiah Gore, 21, and Denerio Williams, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2021, another co-conspirator Ivory Palmer, 21, pleaded guilty Jan. 10. Nothing about Brandon. Oppongagyare later admitted Gore recruited them to pick the aliens up from McAllen and drive them to San Antonio. "He came and told me 'yes,' but not to worry about it because he's taking care of it," Elton said. Guillen's suspected . Family attorney Natalie Kwaham said she was beaten so badly that officials had trouble using dental records to identify her since her teeth were smashed up. Wasn't that uncommon to find drug paraphernalia in equipment, dorms, work areas, etc. They first reached out Aug. 11, when Fernandes was admitted to the hospital, he added. The CID and The League of United Latin American Citizens increased the reward for credible information leading to Vanessa Guillen's whereabouts to $50,000 -- $25,000 from each organization. The Commander at Fort Hood, Lt. General Pat White, will not face any administrative action. Apparently, Giving Money To People Reduces Poverty & Hunger. Complaint: Missing Texas soldier was killed at Fort Hood I feel like soldiers going missing should be a much bigger deal than what it is now. As he returns to the care of his leadership this evening, he will no longer be considered AWOL. Not only that, since the military is not meeting it's recruitment numbers they've been forced to lower their standards on who they admit into military service. On Wednesday, his mother traveled from her home in Boston to Texas to search for her son. Police in Temple said in a statement late Tuesday that a caller initially alerted first responders that there was a man along the railroad tracks. In addition to these horrifying deaths, other incidents at Fort Hood this year included the death of Sgt. The news was first announced by the family's. And in her statement, Khawam said Fernandes is the thirteenth Fort Hood soldier to have "vanished or been killed" this year. Freddy Delacruz with Chuck Norris in 2019. So I'm trying to see for when the lawyer gets in contact with them and more higher people, they will be able to give us some information, because they know," she said. Gore has since been discharged from the Army. Assistant district attorney from Williamson County suspended after DWI wreck in Hewitt, Austin police looking for teen mom who ran away from state facility with newborn son, Tornadic weather conditions made it difficult for fire crews to extinguish house that caught fire after being struck by lightning, New non-profit coming to Bell County in fight against homelessness, Change was like night and day: Mother testifies in retrial of ex-Waco day care owner charged in childs overdose death. The Army just now says that there is foul play in the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen. [10] Her car keys, room key, identification card and wallet were found in an armory room where she was working that day.[8], CID told the Guilln family that Vanessa was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory room where she worked, and Her body was transported from the military installation by her killer,[10], The investigation into Guilln's disappearance is separate from another into her family's claim that she was sexually harassed. As investigators searched for Guillen's body amid her disappearance, multiple other soldiers' bodies were recovered. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Why Kamala Harris Feels Optimistic About The Future Of Abortion Rights, What Abortion Rights Will Look Like in Your State, After the Uvalde Shooting, We Need Gun Control Not More Border Security, How To Help Those Affected By The Texas School Shooting. Assistant U.S. "The unit continues to search areas of the base and is periodically checking his home, area hotels, and other areas of interest," a Fort Hood official said. They are expected to spend five to 10 days on the base.[10]. Missing Fort Hood soldier murdered and buried by Army specialist, woman Guillen was the third service member from the base to be found dead this summer. Timeline: What to know about missing Fort Hood soldier - ABC News Missing Fort Hood soldier has returned to post - KWTX A locked padlock Officials at Fort Hood in Texas are searching for Pfc. [8] The discovery was made after U.S. Army investigators supposedly received a tip directing them to the location of the body, officials said. Her sisters said Guillen, 20, told them and fellow soldiers that she was being sexually harassed by a superior and was fearful of reporting the incident because of potential retaliation. Officials at Fort Hood in Texas are searching for Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, 27, was found shot to death and his vehicle set on fire in May. ABC News' Abby Cruz contributed to this report. We are exceedingly thankful for the communitys support and will issue another statement shortly, officials on post said in a Facebook post. The sergeant has not yet been identified. Based on information gathered from fellow soldiers, Fernandes "may have left Fort Hood on his own accord," according to a statement from the Army Criminal Investigation Command Friday. Elder Fernandes' mother, Ailina Fernandes, and brother, Elton Fernandes, told ABC News in a telephone interview that he had reported being sexually harassed in the months leading up to his disappearance. Everything is like pulling teeth to get any information from them.". Its just nothing. The remains were found in a field in Killeen, Texas, about 26 miles from the site of Guillns remains at Leon River. The Fernandes family has retained an attorney, Natalie Khawam, who's also the attorney for the family of Vanessa Guillen, 20, who went missing from Fort Hood in late April and whose remains were discovered near the base months later. 110 Stat. Military officials said at a press conference that Robinson was not Guillen's superior and that during their investigation they didn't find evidence of sexual harassment to confirm her family's accusations. [4], Ki Theory - 'Suspicious Minds' feat. His family also traveled from Massachusetts to Texas to help look for him. According to the Associated Press, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy opted to remove officials from their jobs including two general officers after findings from an independent panel investigation revealed the bases widespread problems. Missing Fort Hood soldier found - KWTX Fort Hood: What we know about 12 soldiers missing, slain or killed in The 24-year-old's remains were found on June 21 in a. Army Pfc. By bringing in outside consultant civillians, it (1) allows the matter to be taken outside of Army hands,[10] (2) prolongs a proper military investigation, and (3) enables a potential coverup of a sexual assault ring involving high level officers. Fort Hood is conducting an investigation in whether Guilln was sexually harassed or not.[10]. Discovery Company. Aaron David Robinson, 20, African American combat engineer, went missing from his Fort Hood post on June 30. LAREDO, Texas Two soldiers stationed in Texas have been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Houston, TX 77002, Houston: 713-567-9000 The numbers are distressing. either didn't care or was covering up her murder. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. "[8], Cecily Anne Aguilar, wife of an unnamed former Fort Hood soldier[8], CID claims that, Robinson called a woman he was involved with to help him dispose of Guilln's body after moving it outside the base., On July 2nd, the FBI formally submited a criminal complaint for a civillian identified as Cecily Anne Aguilar,[16] the estranged wife of a former unnamed soldier from Fort Hood. Soldiers were assaulted, beaten, robbed. Secretary of the Army announces missing Soldier policy, forms People First Task Force to implement Fort Hood Independent Review Committee (FHIRC) recommendations By U.S. Army December 8, 2020 . The Guillen family created social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to call attention to Vanessa's sexual assault allegation and disappearance. Fernandes also had a new apartment waiting to be moved into with rent and utilities paid, but he never picked up the key, according to his aunt and mother. The statement also said Fernandes did not report to work Monday as scheduled. on Aug. 17 and did not report to work the following day as scheduled. Inside Fort Hood, where yet another soldier has gone missing A Fort Hood soldier who authorities identified earlier Thursday as another suspect in Guillen's disappearance, E-4 Specialist Aaron David Robinson, allegedly told Aguilar that he killed a. Multiple deaths of young US soldiers at Fort Hood,[4] has shed light on a sexual assault ring in Killeen, Texas. 22, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Then would send his little 'soldiers' in to burglarize their homes. "And I am really sorry that I was not able to provide them the information sufficient to reduce their suffering," Major Gen. Scott Efflandt, deputy commanding general of III Corps at Fort Hood, said at a news conference. The military base's 1st Cavalry Division has asked for public help in locating the 23-year-old specialist. On July 30, Pea wrote a social media post saying there would be an active shooter at the base, according to an affidavit obtained by KXAN. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The secretary of the Army has ordered a broad independent review of the command climate and culture at Fort Hood, Texas, in the wake of the murder of Guillen. Lock Elder Fernandes, 23, is pictured in a photo released by the Killeen Police Department in Killeen, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2020. . 2nd Class Gregory Wedel-Morales went missing in 2019 while driving in Killeen, Texas. Fort Hood investigators said on their Facebook page that they "have no credible information or report that Guillen was sexually assaulted.". Four other soldiers who went missing are: SpcVanessa Guillen; Pvt. According to a complaint, Robinson told Aguilar he fatally struck a female soldier in the head with a hammer at Fort Hood on April 22 before moving her body to a remote Bell County location. There's no reason why a young beautiful girl who joined the Army, to honorably serve our country, should be in a shallow grave near on our own turf. ABC News' Luis Martinez contributed to this report. 56, WARNING:FORT HOOD HAS DECLARED WAR ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. She told her mother, Gloria Guillen, that she did not feel safe at the base and that a sergeant there had been sexually harassing her, according toCrime Online. Elder Fernandes was last seen by members of his unit on Aug. 17. According to Khawam, Fernandes was sexually assaulted by his sergeant, then "bullied and hazed for reporting it.". hide caption. Officials at Fort Hood, Texas, said Sunday that a soldier who had disappeared from the base was found safe with her family. Is a lawyer and publicity to beat the army up to get answers? There was "no credible evidence" Guillen had been sexually harassed or assaulted by Robinson. The Army Criminal Investigation Division has yet to independently confirm the identification. According to McCarthy, Fort Hood has one of the highest rates of murder, sexual assault, and harassment in the Army. That is crazy. There are a few that are worse, but not many. It is unclear exactly how many Ford Hood soldiers have gone missing, but the most recent soldier to go missing is Elder Fernandes. [10] He held the rank of Specialist at the time of his death. Warning: Tampering with sensitive contents on this page may constitute a violation of law, and may be subject to world-wide-web service disconnect. Official websites use .gov Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie were indicted and pleaded guilty Aug. 11 and 12, respectively, in 2021. He was reported by US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) to have commited suicide "As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, the suspect displayed a weapon and discharged it toward himself. Anyone with information on Fernandes is urged to contact the Fort Hood Military Police at 254-288-1170, U.S. Army CID at 254-287-2722, or the Killeen Police Department at 254-200-7905. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Mark Hicks prosecuted the case. The discovery came on the same day Guillen's family members announced they were seeking a congressional investigation into her disappearance. Investigators say they have skeletal or partial remains, and bodies of suicides and murders. The consultants' names have not yet been made public. Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia and the Guillen family met with Fort Hood leadership, who told them they suspected foul play in Vanessa's disappearance. Ft Hood is the largest military base IN THE WORLD. Have you had any close calls or times when you had to nope the fuck out of there? The body of missing Fort Hood soldier Elder Fernandes was found on Tuesday night, more than one week after the 23-year-old sergeant was last seen. [2], In McQueens statementhe knew a man who would attend a party and have sex and that he believed [they] could make money there and a lot of it. He added, We specifically talked about swinger parties, stripper parties.[3], Part of the Killeen, Texas sex trafficking scandal, Subterranean training at West Fort Hood, 2014 in Night Vision. The Pentagon's latest report on sex-related crimes in the military showed a 3% increase in the number of sexual assaults reported in the 2019 fiscal year -- 6,236 compared with 6,053 a year earlier. The body of another Fort Hood soldier, Pvt. FYOHNA and RapGodJ audio only. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command received notification from Guillen's captain that she was last seen on the Fort Hood base. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Fort Hood late Sunday announced PVT Brendan Lush, who had been missing since Monday, May 9, had been located and was being returned to his Army unit with the assistance of law enforcement. "I have long advocated for real reforms for them to report these incidents outside the chain of command," Gabbard added. We need to find her and get justice," Mayra Guillen wrote. "Our worst nightmare has happened," Khawam said. Two Mexican men and a U.S. citizen have admitted to their roles in an alien smuggling conspiracy which resulted in death, A 40-year-old San Antonio resident has been ordered to federal prison for transporting undocumented aliens, A 24-year-old Laredo resident has been sent to prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in death, Southern District of Texas 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. [4], Phone records led investigators to suspects in Vanessa Guillen's disappearance, Mother of missing soldier Vanessa Guillen 'I want my daughter alive! Another Fort Hood soldier, Pfc. Robinson enlisted Aguilar to help him dispose of Guillen's body, according to the complaint. The hashtag #IAmVanessaGuillen began circulating on Twitter, and women with a history in the military have come forward to share their own stories of sexual assault. "They can't give answers. I was a contractor on Fort Hood from 2016-2019 and regularly traveled throughout every inch of the base more so than anyone else on that base due to the service contract I was involved with. Khawam also represents the family of Spc. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Fernandes' disappearance comes after a difficult month for Fort Hood. A joint investigation later confirmed Oppongagyare, Saint-Joie, Williams and Palmer each served a role in the conspiracy as drivers who would travel to locations in Texas to transport the aliens in exchange for money. ET . Police said that identification found at the scene indicated the victim may be Fernandes though they were awaiting forensic confirmation and expressed condolences to his family. Vanessa Guillen bludgeoned to death on Army base, family attorney says, Fort Hood soldier found shot dead miles from his vehicle burning near Texas base, Army launches civilian review of Fort Hood following Vanessa Guillen's killing, Going Underground; A Look at the Tunnels Under West Fort Hood, http://paul.rutgers.edu/~mcgrew/ufo/krill.papers, Vanessa Guilln was so brutally dismembered and burned that investigators COULDNT use dental records to identify her, Remains of missing soldier Vanessa Guilln identified by Army, family says, Killing of Vanessa Guilln#Persons involved, We have a problem at Fort Hood: Expert says murders of soldiers Vanessa Guillen and Gregory Morales are linked. Law enforcement, Sewells chain-of-command and her family have been unable to contact her in the time since. Investigators then found unidentified human remains about 20 miles away from the base, near the area investigators previously checked, according to court documents. She said at a press conference that she learned his body had been found on Tuesday night. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 5:11 PM EDT, Sun October 10, 2021. ANOTHER Fort Hood soldier has gone missing as the base has been rocked by numerous deaths over the past year. Mejhor Morta; Pvt Gregory Scott Morales; and Francisco Gilberto Hernndez-Vargas. [20], Spc. Vanessa Guillen, 20, has been missing from her unit since April 22, 2020, according to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. A sergeant stands guard at the entrance to Fort Hood Army base in Texas April 2, 2014. n attorney for Vanessa Guillens family has said that Aaron Robinson is a suspect in Guillens disappearance and he killed himself, Robinsons girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, the estranged wife of a Fort Hood soldier, was also involved, officialssaid, The missing person's poster relating to the 20-year-old's disappearance in April, Civilian who helped soldier cut up Vanessa Guillens body after he bludgeoned her to death is identified. Quotas in recruiting(I used to be 1) are about as fluid as it comes. The Houston native graduated Csar E. Chavez High School in 2018 and shortly thereafter enlisted, becoming a private first class who worked to repair small arms and artillery while serving with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. All rights reserved. After giving a false statement that Robinson was calling her phone repeatedly because she couldn't find it, she told investigators that on the night of April 22, they took a "long drive" to Belton, Texas, to "look at the stars," according to court document. Interspersed throughout the complex are rooms of various sizes that are still equipped with steel rails for overhead cranes. QUANTICO, VA (June 15, 2020) - The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for credible information leading to the whereabouts of missing Fort Hood Soldier, Pfc. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. The FDA Has Officially Approved Pfizers COVID Vaccine. "[8], There is "no credible evidence" for sexual assault in the case of Aaron Robinson (above), says CID[8], Aaron David Robinson, 20, was a soldier from Calumet City, a southern suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a 30-month-term of imprisonment for Gore, while Williams received 24 months. The family said it was foul play repeatedly. ET) October 7, according to a statement by the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), which said she failed to report to work that day. [20] Robinson was a combat engineer assigned to A Troop, Engineer Squadron. Bodies of 4 missing Fort Hood soldiers found - CBS News I saved myself from Royal life, Harry says & insists 'sharing's an act of service', Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, Coronation Street fans horrified as Amy Barlow is raped in disturbing scenes, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. **The conspiracy subreddit is a thinking ground. His death followed ten other soldiers includingVanessa Guillen, whoseremains were found months after she went missing. McCarthy has also ordered a new Army policy that will amend how officials deal with missing soldiers. Eleven soldiers have died at the Fort Hood military base this year. Is that what it takes? Rule 2 does not apply when replying to this stickied comment. FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Fort Hood late Sunday announced PVT Brendan Lush, who had been missing since Monday, May 9, had been located and was being returned to his Army unit with the. The Guillen family and Khawam said the deceased male suspect was a superior officer who allegedly walked in on Vanessa as she was showering, sat down and watched her. Updated on: June 3, 2016 / 10:45 PM / CBS/AP. CNN The body of a missing Fort Hood soldier has been found. An official website of the United States government. Sgt. The army said a female soldier went AWOL a couple months ago. [21], Fox 44 reached out to Fort Hoods Public Affairs office to get an update on their current investigations involving the deaths of the soldiers and received no response. CONSPIRACY: Fort Hood | Crime Junkie Podcast The 20-year-old went missing from her Army base on April 22. Khawam later said she was told Guillen and Robinson had an argument in the armory where they worked after she discovered his alleged affair with the estranged wife of a former soldier. Found out their "leader" was a staff sgt who was aware of who was on post, exercises, etc and knew which houses would be empty and when. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Elder Fernandes went missing just days after the 11th death at Fort Hood military base. Fort Hood is cooperating with local authorities and Bell County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, a 1st Cavalry Division public affairs officer, told CNN in a statement that there is an "open. Hood soldier, What We Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen, Army announces new investigation into Vanessa Guillen case as senior Fort Hood official removed from post, Army officials reveal new details in Vanessa Guillen case, U.S. Army Foot Hood website: REMEMBERING VANESSA GUILLEN, What to know about missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen, The military failed him, family of slain Fort Hood soldier Gregory Wedel Morales says, The military failed him: Soldiers bones found months after he was labeled a deserter, Family hopes autopsy will help strike dead Fort Hood soldiers name from deserter list, Fort Hood: What we know about 12 soldiers missing, slain or killed in accidents since January, Lawmakers to officially introduce #IAmVanessaGuillen bill Wednesday, Military makes little effort to punish deserters, A Year of Heartbreak and Bloodshed at Fort Hood, Missing Fort Hood soldier found in Louisiana, Vanessa Guillens Mother Claims Her Killer Did Not Die. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Marmolejo noted that Gore and Williams, as soldiers in the Army, were not the average citizen, which justified a tougher sentence.