Two more who had separated. Eleven soldiers have died at the Fort Hood military base this year. A locked padlock The soldiers leadership team reportedly remained in consistent communications with his mother throughout the search, the post said. There's no reason why a young beautiful girl who joined the Army, to honorably serve our country, should be in a shallow grave near on our own turf. The family said it was foul play repeatedly. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Soldiers were assaulted, beaten, robbed. "The unit also facilitated his transfer from a unit who has recently deployed to a different unit within the brigade to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.". The secretary of the Army has ordered a broad independent review of the command climate and culture at Fort Hood, Texas, in the wake of the murder of Guillen. [11], On 15 June 1963,[12] Site Baker was renamed Killeen Base and turned over to the US Army. ET) October 7, according to a statement by the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), which said she failed to report to work that day. "On Sunday, he spoke with his mom, promising that he will call on Monday from his phone to give us more information," said Isabel Fernandes. Construction crews carved out tunnels and blast-proof underground steel vaults. Anyone with information about where she might be is asked to contact Fort Hood Military Police. Commanders will be required to list service members as absent-unknown for up to 48 hours while they do everything in their power to locate them and determine if their absence is an emergency or voluntary. "This status enables multiple agencies to be involved in the search for Sgt. Brautigam said that unit leaders have been in contact with the family daily to provide comfort and updates as they become available. He had been reported missing on Aug. 18. An announcement made on Tuesday details that the army base is also ordering policy changes to address consistent leadership failures that fostered serious patterns of violence including murder, sexual assaults, and harassment that have now become synonymous with the Fort Hood. Then would send his little 'soldiers' in to burglarize their homes. CONSPIRACY: Fort Hood | Crime Junkie Podcast Fort Hood has been in the spotlight because of other missing soldiers, particularly Spc. Law enforcement, Sewells chain-of-command and her family have been unable to contact her in the time since. Anne Aguilar is taken into custody by Texas Rangers on suspicion of being involved in the disappearance of Vanessa Guilln. When the bodies start piling up, the situation cannot be ignored. All Rights Reserved. Officials described Sewell as an African American woman with brown hair and brown eyes who is 5-foot-5. According to a complaint, Robinson told Aguilar he fatally struck a female soldier in the head with a hammer at Fort Hood on April 22 before moving her body to a remote Bell County location. Thirteen killed themselves. But the investigation into her disappearance uncovers more than anyone bargained for - secrets, lies, and a system that failed to protect the people within it. Its super sketchy. An official website of the United States government. "I have long advocated for real reforms for them to report these incidents outside the chain of command," Gabbard added. On that day, authorities caught Emmanuel Oppongagyare and Ralph Gregory Saint-Joie smuggling undocumented aliens in the trunk of a vehicle at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located in Hebbronville. Guillen was so badly beaten, she had to be identified through strains of her hair. "Our primary concern is for his health and well-being," the Army said in the. The CID and The League of United Latin American Citizens increased the reward for credible information leading to Vanessa Guillen's whereabouts to $50,000 -- $25,000 from each organization. A federal magistrate judge denied Cecily Aguilar bail after prosecutors revealed she expressed her desires to flee the country. Elder Fernandes, 23, is pictured in a photo released by the Killeen Police Department in Killeen, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2020. The Guillen family and Khawam said the deceased male suspect was a superior officer who allegedly walked in on Vanessa as she was showering, sat down and watched her. Initial investigation appears that Sewell left for unknown reasons on her own accord, the statement said, noting she does not own a vehicle. A number of service members have died or gone missing while stationed at the Army post just outside Killeen, Texas, in recent years, including 20-year-old Spc. [8], In the case of Vanessa Guilln, US Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas, demanded an independent investigation into Fort Hood's handling of the murder of Guillen, one of Garcia's constituents. The investigation began June 13, 2021. Abram Salas II, 21, who was the focus of a search that started after he failed to report for duty on June 23, returned to his unit on Saturday, Fort Hood confirmed Tuesday in a press release . "[10], In response, the US Army called for a panel of four civilian consultants to review the "command climate and culture" at Fort Hood in Texas, in the wake of the killing of Spc. The Pentagon's latest report on sex-related crimes in the military showed a 3% increase in the number of sexual assaults reported in the 2019 fiscal year -- 6,236 compared with 6,053 a year earlier. A joint investigation later confirmed Oppongagyare, Saint-Joie, Williams and Palmer each served a role in the conspiracy as drivers who would travel to locations in Texas to transport the aliens in exchange for money. You dont get fired. ABC News . [8] The discovery was made after U.S. Army investigators supposedly received a tip directing them to the location of the body, officials said. He has not been seen or heard from family members since Monday, August 17, according to the Killeen Police Department. "I guess the police is helping, but the Army's not so much," she said. That is wild. Aguilar, 22, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence for helping dispose of Vanessa Guillen's body, authorities said. There is no other range in the world where you have to worry about how much oxygen there is to breathe, says Gene Bauer, Fort Hood Range Manager. Im former military. The disappearance came a year after the disappearance of Pfc . Pfc. "He came and told me 'yes,' but not to worry about it because he's taking care of it," Elton said. [10] The Army, League of United Latin American Citizens and Houston rapper Baby Bash have pooled together a $55,000 reward for information on Vanesssas Guillen's disappearance. Aaron Robinson was a suspect in the disappearance of Venessa Guilln. Fort Hood investigators said on their Facebook page that they "have no credible information or report that Guillen was sexually assaulted.". Sometimes these absences garner media attention but the majority of them do not. A search of Guillen's cellphone records, according to court documents, showed that one of the last persons she was in contact with was Aaron David Robinson. **Our intentions are aimed towards a fairer, more transparent world and a better future for everyone. Robinson had joined the Army in October 2017 and was trained as a combat engineer. [10], US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and civilian law enforcement are investigating Guillen's disappearance. She even reported to other soldiers on base, but she didn't want to do a formal report because she was afraid of retaliation and being blackballed, and she, like most victims, just tried to deal with it herself," Lupe Guillen, 16, told ABC News on July 1. There was "no credible evidence" Guillen had been sexually harassed or assaulted by Robinson. [14] The underground complex is one of only seven storage facilities in the U.S.[15][13], Pvt. [19], Mayra Guilln, sister of Vanessa, said, "Whoever is responsible has to pay, and we demand a congressional investigation. Elder Fernandes, a 23-year-old chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, has not been heard from by his family since Sunday, prompting them to report him missing three days later, according to a statement from the Killeen Police Department on Thursday and comments made by family members to ABC News Friday. It definitely seems like something is up. Gabbard said she knows "personally the . Officials within Vanessa Guillen's unit become aware she's missing, according to court documents. His aunt said Fernandes used to live at the address, but his former roommate told the family he had not stayed there for some time, and never entered after he was dropped off. Timeline: What to know about missing Fort Hood soldier - ABC News In a harrowing twist, the search for Guillen kicks off the same week that investigators uncovered the skeletal remains of Private Gregory Wedel-Morales, one of two Fort Hood soldiers who went. Robinson's cellphone records corroborated Aguilar's story and placed the pair along the Leon River, according to court documents. The string of deaths prompted an independent review of the climate and culture at Fort Hood, which led to the punishment of 14 senior officers. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much This is a forum for free thinking, not hate speech. The consultants' names have not yet been made public. Fernandes who is originally from Massachusetts is a Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear specialist at Fort Hood. Then would send his little 'soldiers' in to burglarize their homes. CID said on July 1 that investigators had conducted more than 300 interviews in the case.[8], Fort Hood officials said they were not aware of reports of sexual harassment involving Robinson but the investigation was ongoing. It has over 40k soldiers on post. 2nd Class Gregory Wedel-Morales went missing in 2019 while driving in Killeen, Texas. "We appreciate the working relationship we have with his family as we work together to find him and provide for his well being," Brautigam said. But their contact ended abruptly, according to his aunt. mother, Gloria, wants US Congress to investigate Fort Hood's handling of her daughter's disappearance. She said she went on base with police and found his only known car still parked there. The prolonging process, in a sizable coverup, is given in the following report: Although authorities said there is no connection between the two cases of Wedel-Morales and Guillen, Atlantas Cold Case Investigative Research Institute founder, Sheryl McCollum, disagrees, who maintains that the soldiers deaths are linked. All of this is expected to trigger further investigations, which could lead to additional punishments for those found responsible. [20] Robinson was a combat engineer assigned to A Troop, Engineer Squadron. In addition to these horrifying deaths, other incidents at Fort Hood this year included the death of Sgt. Guillns family has shared that Robinson also sexually harassed her. I feel like soldiers going missing should be a much bigger deal than what it is now. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Marmolejo noted that Gore and Williams, as soldiers in the Army, were not the average citizen, which justified a tougher sentence. Fort Hood soldiers sentenced for role in alien smuggling conspiracy [16][17] Guilln was a small-arms repairer assigned to Support Troop, Engineer Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. The Hood network involves abducting both young civilians and soldiers from 18 to 23, both male and female, into a sex program. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, 27, was found shot to death and his vehicle set on fire in May. All rights reserved, Privacy Policy|Online Content Agreement, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command: Publics Help Sought in Locating Fort Hood Soldier, Vanessa Guillen: A timeline of events and everything we know about her disappearance, Reward for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen doubles to $50,000, Vanessa Guillen: Evidence found a week before remains were located matched what witness saw at Fort Hood, Pfc. Vanessa Guillen's Remains Identified: What We Know So Far | Time About two weeks before that, on July 1, human remains were discovered near Fort Hood and subsequently identified as Guillen. [10], In a statement by attorney Natalie Khawam, for the Guillen family, she said, "If this could happen to Vanessa, this can happen to any one of our sisters, daughters and mothers. Should Wealthy Countries Give COVID Booster Shots When Other Countries Still Dont Have Vaccines. Army Names Independent Panel In Fort Hood Review, Following Vanessa Guillen Killing. Assistant district attorney from Williamson County suspended after DWI wreck in Hewitt, Austin police looking for teen mom who ran away from state facility with newborn son, Tornadic weather conditions made it difficult for fire crews to extinguish house that caught fire after being struck by lightning, New non-profit coming to Bell County in fight against homelessness, Change was like night and day: Mother testifies in retrial of ex-Waco day care owner charged in childs overdose death. FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Fort Hood late Sunday announced PVT Brendan Lush, who had been missing since Monday, May 9, had been located and was being returned to his Army unit with the assistance of law enforcement. Texas authorities are looking into allegations that Vanessa was sexually harassed before she disappeared. They are expected to spend five to 10 days on the base.[10]. He was reported by US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) to have commited suicide "As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, the suspect displayed a weapon and discharged it toward himself. Another Army soldier missing at Fort Hood; search underway Gabbard said she knows "personally the strength of the chain of command. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. . Anyone with information on Fernandes is urged to contact the Fort Hood Military Police at 254-288-1170, U.S. Army CID at 254-287-2722, or the Killeen Police Department at 254-200-7905. Its just nothing. His death followed ten other soldiers includingVanessa Guillen, whoseremains were found months after she went missing. After a year of record violence at Fort Hood in 2020, army leaders have announced that they are firing or suspending 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at the . While I never saw anything regarding human trafficking I am intrigued by this statement: Broadway, the post spokesman, said 74 GIs had gone absent without leave since 2020 and that 53 of them had returned to duty. Trump, who met withGuillensmom, dad, two sisters, and family lawyer in theOval Office, said: Well get to the bottom of it.. Photo: Sergio Flores/Getty Images. The Guillen family created social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to call attention to Vanessa's sexual assault allegation and disappearance. "It is truly disappointing how Fort Hood Army Base, a military base, has not given answers to Vanessa's family," Khawam, the family's attorney, wrote on Facebook. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Elder Fernandes went missing just days after the 11th death at Fort Hood military base. Killeen Police Department and Harker Heights PD have confirmed pending investigations involving up to seven soldiers who were brutally murdered from 2019 to 2020.[4]. Guillen was the third service member from the base to be found dead this summer. Gregory Morales, was reported missing from the base a year ago on August 20, 2019. All are active duty soldiers with the U.S. Army. Is a lawyer and publicity to beat the army up to get answers? The hashtag #IAmVanessaGuillen began circulating on Twitter, and women with a history in the military have come forward to share their own stories of sexual assault. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley were questioned about Vanessa Guilln's death during a congressional hearing on 9 July 2020. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Also in July, the army named a five-person civilian panel to conduct a review of the culture at Fort Hood. Robinson then drove Aguilar to the Leon River, where he opened the box to reveal Guillen's body, court records show. On Wednesday, his mother traveled from her home in Boston to Texas to search for her son. His family members have publicly questioned the base's narrative that he left on his own volition. Jennifer Sewell, a soldier whos been missing since last Thursday. Army Pfc. Eleven of the deaths remain unresolvedsome. So I'm trying to see for when the lawyer gets in contact with them and more higher people, they will be able to give us some information, because they know," she said. Foul play is also suspected in Wedel-Morales' death, and the Army is offering a $25,000 reward for information. Respect other views and opinions, and keep an open mind. The sergeant has not yet been identified. Prosecutors in 2014 said Gregory McQueen ran a prostitution ring at Fort Hood for a month or two that took advantage of cash-strapped female soldiers and connected them with higher-ranking officers. . On June 30, Robinson went missing from his Fort Hood post. [12] The training in this facility is unlike any other facility. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 12 Fort Hood soldiers who have vanished, died, or, in one case, turned up dead after going missing last year. Despite the claims that officials are being fired for failing to prevent violence at the base, former military personnel on Twitter have concerns about how the system works.