FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The death of a sergeant in the United States Army stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in central Missouri is being investigated as a potential homicide after her body was found in a dumpster Monday.
In a press conference Thursday, Major General Christopher Beck said investigators had identified a person of interest in the death of Sergeant Sarah Roque, a 23-year-old Indiana native. Beck said he could not provide more information about the ongoing investigation.
The person of interest was taken into custody later Thursday afternoon.
Beck said Roque was reported missing Monday morning when she did not report for her unit's morning formation. Military Police Investigations issued a "Be on the Lookout" or BOLO advisory Monday evening. After a search by the Army and nearby law enforcement personnel, her body was located inside a dumpster near the single soldiers' quarters at Fort Leonard Wood.
"It could put some fear into people; if it happened on base, where else could it happen?" asked St. Robert resident Jonathyn Wallace.
On Friday, 5 On Your Side crews traveled to Fort Leonard Wood, where many are mourning the loss of the beloved solder. Many people on post and in the community were shocked and saddened.
Those in the St. Robert area said Roque has left a lasting impact.
"I mean, a soldier? Come on. Soldiers don't get killed, dumped, and thrown in a dumpster on post. That's wrong," said retired Master Sgt. Joe Wilkinson.
The news of Roque's death has startled the entire community, including Wilkinson, who was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood for 12 years and has lived in the area ever since.
"This whole community is made up of military, retirees, active duty, and reserves. Soldiers do not need to die when they're on their own army installation. There's something suspicious," said Wilkinson.
Wallace, who has lived in St. Robert his whole life and feels Fort Leonard Wood is a safe base compared to others, said he's in disbelief.
"You're on a military base, and everyone is supposed to be family on a military base. This is a small town. It wouldn't be as prosperous without Fort Leonard Wood here, and I don't know why something like this would happen," Wallace said.
Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, enlisted in 2020 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.
She was a bridge crew member, serving as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, the Army said in a press release.
"They train dogs out there for mines, so if she was a Mine Dog Handler, she was a good woman. A good soldier," Wilkinson said.
So far, investigators haven't said how she died, who found her body, or who the person in custody is.
Officials at Fort Leonard Wood said Roque's unit will hold a memorial service in her honor next week on the post. The public is not invited.
"I wonder what her higher-ups and those under her are thinking right now, especially her family. I feel for them. I'll be praying for them because that's a big loss," Wallace said.
Beck and Army Criminal Investigation Division Agent John McCabe said they could not provide any additional details regarding the discovery of her body because the investigation is ongoing.
During the press conference, McCabe said they are working to ensure the safety of the people at Fort Leonard Wood and the nearby areas. When asked for additional information about the person of interest, McCabe said he could not provide any further information due to the nature of the ongoing investigation.
"This is a tragedy. This is something that we never want to happen. We never want the family to have to endure or the unit to have to endure. So, how are we feeling? Our heart goes out to these individuals and to the family. Sarah was a soldier and a leader in the 5th Engineer Battalion, described by her peers as tough and proud of everything she did. She was proud to serve our country, which she did with honor and distinction," Beck said.
Roque’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The Army's Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and local law enforcement are all looking into her death.
Beck read the following prepared statement at the end of the press conference:
On behalf of Fort Leonard Wood and the entire United States Army, we are deeply saddened by this devastating loss and we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Sarah Roque. Sarah not only served our country bravely and honorably as a soldier. She was also a daughter, a sister and a friend to many. The investigation remains a top priority for Fort Leonard Wood and all agencies are cooperating to ensure that the investigation is thorough and complete.
I'd like to reiterate. There is no immediate threat to the community at this time. Fort Leonard Wood remains a safe place to live and work. My commitment, our commitment, we will remain transparent, moving forward while respecting the family's privacy.
Fort Leonard Wood is in south central Missouri, adjacent to the towns of St. Robert and Waynesville. The post is off Interstate 44 between Rolla and Lebanon.
