Missing 23-Year-Old Soldier Found Dead in a Dumpster, Army Officials Investigating Her Death as a Homicide: ‘Devastating Loss’

Mar. 15, 2025

Sgt. Sarah Roque.Photo:U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood/Facebook

U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood/Facebook

A U.S. Army sergeant who was reported missing after she did not show up for duty on Monday, Oct. 21, in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. was found dead, officials said on Tuesday, Oct. 22. A person of interest is in custody in connection with her death, the Army Criminal Investigation Division confirmed with PEOPLE.

Sgt. Sarah Roque was found dead in a dumpster on Monday evening, the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood officials said in apress release. The Army Criminal Investigation Division confirmed with PEOPLE there are “limited” public details because it is still an active investigation.

Fort Leonard Wood officials laterannouncedon Thursday, Oct. 24, that “a person of interest has been taken into custody in relation” to the 23-year-old’s death.

The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division specialists, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are now investigating Roque’s death as a homicide, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, said during a press conference Thursday, perABC News.

“As a commander and a leader, this is a tragedy,” Beck said. “This is something that we never want to happen, we never want for the family to have to endure, or for the unit to have to endure.”

Sgt. Sarah Roque.U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood/Facebook

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” Beck continued. “Her passing has caused 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 who are affected during this difficult time.”

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Roque was from Ligonier, Ind., and later moved to Fort Leonard Wood, where she completed Basic Combat Training. The central Missouri military training installation trains nearly 80,000 people every year.

Roque was a bridge crewmember and a mine dog handler with the K9 detachment in the Fifth Engineer Battalion, according to Army officials. Since enlisting in 2020, she received several awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

source: people.com