Army investigators are looking into the death of a soldier at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a homicide after she was found dead earlier this week, officials told Task and Purpose.
Officials announced Tuesday that Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, was found dead. Base officials at Fort Leonard Wood had put out a “be on the look out” notice, also known as a BOLO, on Monday, asking for the public’s help in locating Roque, who was described as a Hispanic woman assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion.
According to the BOLO, Roque was last seen near the base, and that her chain of command and family were unable to contact her.
“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, the commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, said in a statement. “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, Indiana and served as a handler with the K9 detachment from the 5th Engineer Battalion. She enlisted in the Army in 2020 and attended basic training at the Missouri base. Her awards include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding Roque’s death.