Editor’s note: This article was updated Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, with new information from the Army regarding developments in the investigation.
Army authorities have taken a person of interest into custody in the death of a Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, soldier who missed formation Monday and was later found dead.
Post officials said military police issued a missing person alert Monday for Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23. Later that night investigators found her body in a dumpster on the post, officials said Thursday.
“This is a tragedy, this is something that we never want to happen,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, head of both the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood. We never want for the family to have to endure or the unit to have to endure.”
The Army is investigating Roque’s death as a homicide.
Roque’s body was found in a dumpster adjacent to the single soldiers’ quarters on base, Beck said.
Beck and other officials assured the public in a news conference Thursday there is no threat to the public in connection with this incident.
An Army investigator who spoke at the press conference would not disclose whether the person of interest is a military member or civilian. The official also would not share the cause of death, pending the results of an autopsy.
In a previous statement, Beck remarked on the loss that the post’s community felt with Roque’s death.
“Sgt. Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, head of both the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood. “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.”
Installation public affairs officials released a statement with details of Roque’s background and deferred further comment to Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Army CID is handling the case now and, in accordance with policy, declines to comment on ongoing investigations.
Originally from Ligonier, Indiana, Roque enlisted in 2020 and graduated basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, according to the statement.
She served as a bridge crew member and mine dog handler with 5th Engineer Battalion’s K9 Detachment.
Roque’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Todd South has written about crime, courts, government and the military for multiple publications since 2004 and was named a 2014 Pulitzer finalist for a co-written project on witness intimidation. Todd is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War.
