(DailyAnswer.org) – On Monday night, U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah Roque was found dead after being reported missing earlier that same day. Sgt. Roque, 23, was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. When she didn’t show up for her morning formation, authorities issued a missing-person alert according to Stars and Stripes.
The alert mentioned that neither her family nor her military superiors could contact her. By Monday evening, search efforts led to a tragic discovery—Roque’s body was found in a dumpster near the single-soldier quarters on base. Major General Christopher Beck addressed this sad news in a press conference on Thursday, confirming the details.
Currently, a person of interest is in custody, but charges have not yet been filed. Because this is an ongoing investigation, details are limited. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is treating Roque’s death as a possible homicide and working with other law enforcement agencies to determine exactly what happened.
Maj. Gen. Beck expressed the grief felt across Fort Leonard Wood. “On behalf of Fort Leonard Wood and the entire United States Army, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Sgt. Sarah Roque,” he said. “Our community is devastated by this tragic loss.”
Roque was a valued soldier in the 5th Engineer Battalion. She served as a mine dog handler in their K9 detachment, a role that demanded courage and skill. Her peers described her as a tough, committed soldier who took pride in her work and in serving her country. Since enlisting in 2020, she completed her basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and built a strong reputation within her unit.
Her service was decorated with several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Her commanding officers praised her dedication not only as a soldier but as a friend, sister, and daughter.
Maj. Gen. Beck reassured the public that the investigation into Roque’s death is a top priority. “We’re making sure this investigation is thorough and complete,” he said. Fort Leonard Wood continues to provide support to her family and unit as they mourn the loss of a dedicated soldier.
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