Army Arrests Suspect in Connection to Homicide of Fort Leonard Wood Soldier

Army officials have apprehended a "person of interest" related to the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, whose body was found in a dumpster earlier this week at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The arrest occurred on Thursday, shortly after investigators identified the individual, although additional details regarding their identity or connection to the case were not disclosed.

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Sgt. Roque, missing since Monday morning, was last observed near the base before she failed to attend the morning formation. The absence of the individual elicited prompt concern from her unit, leading to the initiation of a search and the notification of emergency services. A “be on the lookout” notice was disseminated to the base and local law enforcement within hours, as stated by Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, the commanding general of Fort Leonard Wood’s Maneuver Support Center of Excellence.

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At a press conference on Thursday, Beck conveyed his condolences to Roque’s family and reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to revealing the circumstances surrounding her death. “The passing of Sgt. Roque has created a significant void in our community, and we are committed to pursuing justice for her and her family,” he stated.

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The Army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has been diligently investigating and collecting evidence following the discovery of Roque's body. The case has been confirmed as a homicide; however, further details regarding the circumstances of her death have not been disclosed.

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The investigation is ongoing, with Army officials indicating that updates will be provided as additional details become available.

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