Chilling new details have emerged in the case of the missing Missouri soldier who was found dead in a dumpster shortly after she mysteriously disappeared from a military base.
The body of Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, who was stationed at the Ford Leonard Wood US Army base, was found in a dumpster on Monday night after she did not show up for work that morning.
On Thursday, military officials took to Facebook with the latest update: A person of interest has been detained in connection with the murder.
No other information was shared, including the person’s name or whether they were also military personnel.
“The incident remains under investigation by the Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division,” the publication wrote. “Updates will be provided as they become available.”
Sergeant Sarah Roque (pictured), 23, went missing from the US Army base Fort Leonard Wood and was found dead in a dumpster on Monday night near a single soldier’s home.
Attempts by Roque’s chain of command and family to contact the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen at the base.
Roque, who served as a mining dog handler at the K9 Detachment, was reported missing after she did not show up for morning training.
Attempts by her chain of command and family to contact the soldier went unanswered after she was last seen at the base. NPR reported.
Fort Leonard Wood issued a “be on the lookout” alert, urging the public and other law enforcement agencies to help locate the 23-year-old.
Shortly after she was first reported missing, her body was found in a dumpster next to a single soldier’s home.
Although the cause of death is unknown, Christopher Beck, the major general, said at a news conference Thursday that it is being considered a possible homicide.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is now working alongside the FBI and other agencies to further investigate the case.
Army officials said they are still waiting for the results of Roque’s autopsy, which will provide more information about his strange death, NPR reported.
Army officials stated Thursday that a person of interest is in custody, but no further details have yet been provided.
Roque was stationed at the Ford Leonard Wood U.S. Army Base in central Missouri and was originally reported missing on Monday after she failed to show up for work.
Fort Leonard Wood, located in central Missouri, is a military installation that trains more than 80,000 people each year.
Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, enlisted in 2020 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Military Service Ribbon.
“As a commander and leader, this is a tragedy,” Maj. Gen. Beck said at the conference. New York Post reported.
“This is something we never want to happen, we never want the family to have to endure it, or the unit to have to endure it.”
“Sarah not only served our country bravely and honorably as a soldier, but she was also a daughter, sister and friend to many.”
Major General Beck described Roque as a woman who served with the greatest honor and distinction.
Christopher Beck, the major general, said at a news conference Thursday that his death is being considered a possible homicide, but the cause of death is still unknown.
“Her teammates described her as tough and proud of everything she did and proud to serve our country,” the major general added. “The Fort Leonard Wood community is devastated by this tragic loss.”
‘Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country with bravery and honorability. His passing has left a tremendous void throughout our team and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those affected during this difficult time.’
His Indiana hometown of Ligonier on Thursday asked local businesses and residents to fly red flags at half-staff until Roque’s burial as a way to recognize and honor the soldier, NPR reported.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Sergeant Sarah Roque and the entire Fort Leonard Wood community,” said Missouri Congressman Mark Alford.
‘Sergeant Roque was a dedicated soldier whose patriotic service earned her multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. “We grieve with everyone affected by this tragedy and stand with them during this horrible time.”