FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — The U.S. Army is now investigating the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, as a homicide. A person of interest, who has not been identified, has been taken into custody.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, Major General Christopher Beck, of the U.S. Army, said Roque's body was found in a dumpster on base.
"Efforts are being made to make sure this individual is not a threat to the base or the community," said Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent John McCabe.
Roque, was initially reported missing by the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood training installation in southern Missouri on Monday, Oct. 21.
According to a post on Facebook from the training installation, Roque was last seen in the Fort Leonard Wood area. The installation said her chain of command and family were unable to contact her.
Fort Leonard Wood announced she had been found dead on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Roque, of Ligionier, Indiana, was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion and was a bridge crewmember. She also served as a mine dog handler with the K-9 detachment.
Ligionier is roughly 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne, in Noble County.
She enlisted in 2020 and attended basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, officials said.
During her time in the military, Roque was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood team is deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow Soldiers of Sergeant Roque,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general.
Roque's death is currently under investigation by the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division.
“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably," Beck said. "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.”