By Erika Hernandez
03 Nov 2024, 18:01 PM EST
Authorities reported that an army specialist is accused of killing Hispanic soldier Sarah Roquewho was found dead at an Army base in Missouri last week.
Sergeant Wooster Rancy, 21, is being held in connection with the murder of Sarah Roque, a 23-year-old sergeant, authorities said Thursday.
Roque was found dead in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri last week.
According to authorities, Rancy faces charges of murder and obstruction of justice. He is currently in pretrial detention awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Rancy and Roque were in the same battalion, according to Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck.
“As for other interactions, that is part of the investigation, so it will continue to develop over time,” Beck said during a news conference Friday.
Rancy, a combat engineer, is originally from Miami and joined the Army in 2022, officials said.
Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, was reported missing after not showing up for work last week.
At a news conference after her body was found, Beck said that his death was being investigated as a homicide.
“As a commander and leader, this is a tragedy. “It’s something we never want to happen, we never want the family to have to endure it or the unit to have to endure it,” Beck said.
According to the authorities, Roque worked as a dog trainer in mines. Since enlisting in 2020, he has received the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
“Sarah not only served our country bravely and honorably as a soldier, but she was also a daughter, sister and friend to many,” Beck said.
Keep reading:
–Soldier of Latin origin found dead in a trash container at a base in Missouri
–Family members demand answers for the death of Latina soldier Sarah Roque at a Missouri base
–A Latina soldier is found dead at Fort Hood, the same military base in the Vanessa Guillén case