Lacking 23-Yr-Previous Soldier Discovered Lifeless from a Suspected Murder: ‘Devastating Loss’

A U.S. Military sergeant who was reported lacking after she didn’t present up for responsibility on Monday, Oct. 21, in Fort Leonard Wooden, Mo. was discovered lifeless, officers mentioned on Tuesday, Oct. 22. An individual of curiosity is in custody in connection together with her demise.

Sgt. Sarah Roque was discovered lifeless in a dumpster on Monday night, U.S. Military Fort Leonard Wooden officers confirmed in a press launch.

Fort Leonard Wooden officers later introduced on Thursday, Oct. 24 that “an individual of curiosity has been taken into custody in relation” to the 23-year-old’s demise.

The Division of Military Prison Investigation Division, FBI and different legislation enforcement businesses are actually investigating Roque’s demise as a murder, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wooden commanding common, mentioned throughout a press convention Thursday, per ABC Information.

“As a commander and a pacesetter, this can be a tragedy,” Beck mentioned. “That is one thing that we by no means need to occur, we by no means need for the household to need to endure, or for the unit to need to endure.”

“The Maneuver Help Middle of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wooden staff is deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we ship our deepest condolences to the household, associates and fellow Troopers of Sergeant Roque,” Beck mentioned in a press release on Tuesday.

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, buddy and Soldier who selected to serve our nation bravely and honorably,” Beck continued. “Her passing has prompted an amazing void all through our staff, and whereas there are not any phrases to ease the ache, we proceed to supply care, sources and help to those that are affected throughout this tough time.”  

Roque was from Ligonier, Ind., and later moved to Fort Leonard Wooden, the place she accomplished Fundamental Fight Coaching. The central Missouri army coaching set up trains practically 80,000 folks yearly. 

Roque was a bridge crewmember and a mine canine handler with the K9 detachment within the Fifth Engineer Battalion, in response to Military officers. Since enlisting in 2020, she obtained a number of awards, together with the Military Commendation Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Military Service Ribbon.

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A consultant for the Division of the Military Prison Investigation Division didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for extra info on Thursday.