The Killen Police Department is leading the investigation into Morales' death, in which foul play is suspected. Established in 1980, Pleasant Ridge's goal is to serve the English and Western rider. Leaders reported they have completed nearly 15 of the 70 total recommendations and said they initiated action on 27 others. She has reported on several high-profile stories during her career at KSAT and specializes in trending news and things to do around Texas and San Antonio. Tony Gutierrez, STF / Associated Press. "This is an incredible loss for these soldiers' families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division," Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler said in a statement shared online. April 27: Army CID offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to Guillens location. No one was injured in the incident. Ana Basalduaruiz was only 21. Last month, Pvt. Richardson took over for Efflandt, who was set to stay in supporting role. Forty-four were suicides. Feb. 23: Efflandt was assigned to a new role as special assistantto the commanding general of Joint Base San Antonio after his transfer to Fort Bliss was halted amid Fort Hood reviews. WebThe murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by A few days before the charge was announced, Specialist Robinson killed himself with a pistol. Nov. 9:Aguilar's hearing and trial were delayed again, according to court documents. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. Her case inspired protests and led the Army to discipline more than a dozen officials. Her death, which drew attention from lawmakers, activists and celebrities, shocked our conscience and brought attention to deeper problems, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said at a news conference announcing policy changes. He said the report would be released Dec. 8 along with and action plan. The complaint said Robinson bludgeoned Guillen to death with a hammer and took the body off post in a case with wheels. Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, Victims of Army helicopter collision in Alaska include 2 chief warrant officers, Sexual Facebook post spurs UN Command to review its social media policies, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The soldier was identified as Spc. A team from the Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Novotel, Alabama will be investigating the incident, officials said. He conceded he had been at the nightclub and had argued with Martinez, according to the court document. July 29:The U.S. House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee held a hearing regarding an examination of Fort Hoods Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention Program. The man who killed a Fort Hood soldier in May 2020 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Two decades of constant deployments, the report concluded, drew attention away from soldiers welfare, allowing profound social problems to metastasize. Among the reports findings: Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed, but not by Specialist Robinson, and that he had also been accused of unrelated sexual harassment. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. statements Aguilar made about Guillens death suppressed. He denied shooting at her but admitted he had a gun in his car. July 27: Aguilars attorney filed a motion for a gag order on trial participants, including witnesses, the Guillen family and their attorneys. US Army Spc. The dad told Telemundo News that before her death, Basalduaruiz told him that she was no longer comfortable, that her whole life was wrong, that she wanted to die.. Elder Fernandes At that point, funeral plans were not yet set as the family had not received the soldier's remains. The installation is plagued by the highest amount of violent and nonviolent crime in the Army, McCarthy has acknowledged. Witnesses told police that the two soldiers had previously dated and had a child together, according to the court document. The Ontario Equestrian Federation is the umbrella organization committed to equine welfare and providing leadership and support to the individuals, associations and industries in Ontario's horse community. Otterson Lake Farm also provides a large heated tack room, with saddle racks, blanket/pad racks, personal lockers, feed containment area, and new stairs leading into the hay loft area. Aug. 15:Guillen was laid to rest in a private funeralat Holy Name Catholic Church in Houston. RELATED: Motion to throw out the confession of woman accused of dismembering, disposing Vanessa Guillen's body was denied. She attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Okla. Pleasant Weather Pattern for First Half of the Work Week | Central Texas Forecast, We'll miss you, Matt! The family also met with former President Trump regarding a congressional investigation into the case. She said, 'Yes mami,' and tears ran down like this," she told ABC News in Spanish. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Then, he and Aguilar attempted to dispose of the body by mutilating it and attempting to burn it before burying the pieces somewhere along the Leon River. Ana Fernanda Basaldua Ruiz was found dead at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, the same base where the murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20 Jan. 26, 2021: New Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered senior leaders to gather reports on sexual assault prevention programs in the military and assessments of what does and doesnt work. FORT HOOD, Texas -- Fort Hood officials are investigating the death of Private Second Class Ana Basalduaruiz, whose family said she complained to them about sexual harassment by one of her fellow soldiers. "The initial investigation into Vanessa's death, coupled with high numbers of crimes and deaths at Fort Hood, has revealed a series of missteps and multiple failures in our system and within our leadership," according to the U.S. Department of Defense. According to court documents, from April 22, 2020 through July 1, 2020, Aguilar assisted Army Specialist Aaron Robinson in corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating and concealing evidence that is, the body of Vanessa Guillen in order to prevent Robinson from being charged with and prosecuted for any crime, said a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. //-->. Pvt. The discovery in 2020 of the dismembered and burned remains of Vanessa Guillen, a Fort Hood soldier who disappeared on April 22, 2020, sparked outrage from central Texas to Washington. Fort Lee, an Army base in Virginia named after a Confederate general, was renamed on Thursday as Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two Black officers who served in the U.S. Army. The panel found that failures to investigate crimes and lack of confidence in punishing offenders led to a permissive environment for sexual assault and harassment, its review said, creating a culture in which soldiers feared reprisal and negative career consequences if they reported such incidents. Jesse Cruz, 23, a supply specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died Aug. 13, 2022. Basalduaruiz was a Mexican-born naturalized US citizen who joined the Army in 2020, but her military training was postponed for a year because of COVID. A total of 101 soldiers have died on the post and off it since 2020, Fort Hood officials told the Express-News. June 13: Houston rapper Baby Bash added a $5,000 reward on top of the CID reward to help find Guillen. Pvt. Ft. Or we can somehow find her ourselves before the authorities because it has been over a month we need to keep pushing.. The case also led to multiple investigations including an independent review of the climate and culture on Fort Hood that resulted in major leadership changes on post and an overhaul of how the Army should handle sexual assault and harassment cases. They glossed over the murders, the suicides. Families of the deceased and injured have been notified, officials added, though names are being held for 24 hours until next of kin notifications are complete. The FHIRC was set to examine command climate and culture, surrounding military community and more. They also introduced bills to designate Sept. 30 as "Vanessa Guillen Day" and rename a state highway in her honor. By Johnny Diaz,Maria Cramer and Christina Morales. Delacruz Jr. a 23-year-old Army veteran was one of three to be killed March 14 in shooting at an apartment complex in Killeen, Stars and Stripes reported. She was killed on April 22, 2020, and her disappearance became the focus of a nationwide search before her remains were found on June 30, 2020, in a concrete-like substance buried along the Leon River. It was originally set to start Sept. 28, but was pushed back to Nov. 10. They skipped over the fact that they needed to actually look for him.". Gen. James C. McConville, the Army chief of staff, called the Guilln family ahead of the news conference and vowed to transform the Army. As you know, there has been a lot of updates since we last spoke. A 26-year-old Fort Hood soldier was found dead Saturday behind his barracks, according to military officials. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for freeandconfidential crisis counseling. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Female soldier, 21, found dead at Fort Hood 3 years after Vanessa Guillens brutal slaying, The Army is scrapping Fort Hood name heres who it will be renamed for, Family of slain Texas soldier seeking $35 million in damages, Army vet gets 18 months for stealing $2.1M in military gear from Texas base. Details on the individuals were not given, and their identities were not released. As a result of the report on investigations findings, released on Dec. 8, 2020, 14 Army officials at Fort Hood were either fired or suspended, including several high-ranking leaders. I went to look for her [satellite] location and then it appeared that she was like in a park inside the base and that was it, the father said. US Army officials have identified a soldier found dead less than 20 miles from Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, post media officials said Tuesday. This article was published more than2 years ago. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. For months, activists, politicians and Specialist Guillens family called for an investigation into Fort Hood, the nations third-largest Army base. Just search "ABC13 Houston.". Cecily Aguilar, Robinsons girlfriend, was arrested and confessed to helping Robinson dispose of Guillens body. Guillen, 20, was last seen on April 22, 2020, in a parking lot at Fort Hood. April 15: Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said progress continues on Fort Hood and across the entire military branch. Vanessa Guillen disappeared off Fort Hood, unleashing a months-long search, rallies and calls for change at the Central Texas military post. (AP) One person was fatally shot and five others were injured by gunfire at a house party in Massachusetts early Sunday morning, authorities said. Over 18 yrs Liability Waiver McCarthy said soldiers need to be able to trust one another and that the military needs to prioritize soldiers. The Army listed him as AWOL (absent without leave) and eventually classified him as a deserter. Maj. Bradley Knapp. Missing Fort Hood soldier Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans. Ana Basaldua Ruiz died Monday, the Army said. stop their children from enlisting in the Army. The search for Guillen gained international attention as her family and supporters, participated in rallies outside Fort Hood. They did so despite pleas from his mother, Kim Wedel, to find her son. On frontier of new gold rush, quest for coveted EV metals yields misery. He fatally shot himself as officers moved in to arrest him. July 2: A federal criminal complaintfiled in the case revealed chilling details on Guillen's disappearance and death. SEATTLE (AP) The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were killed when two helicopters collided in Alaska while returning from a training continued outside of Fort Hood with Guillens family in attendance. The changes, he said, include a greater focus on the well-being of soldiers and transforming the way leaders search for missing service members. Guillens slaying sparked a social media movement and eventually led to disciplinary action being taken against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at the troubled base. "The army criminal investigation division and the chain of command are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding [Basalduaruiz's] death," the base told ABC News in a statement. May 4:Guillen's family started aGoFundMe to raise money to help them continue raising awareness about the soldier's disappearance, search for Guillen and hire a private investigator to look into the case. And now shes not with us. Just say the hashtag, #IamVanessaGuillen. She died at about 10:25 p.m. Thursday, police said. We continue to grow our selection to accommodate each discipline of rider. Learn, Explore and More! Efflandt was set to continue serving as deputy commanding general for support and would remain at Fort Hood. Fort Lee, an Army base in Virginia named after a Confederate general, was renamed on Thursday as Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two Black officers who served in the U.S. Army. 3. June 10: Officials gave an update on the search for Guillen. Fort Hood shootings: Iraq veteran kills three people at Texas military base. Cpl. On July 3, the Army confirmed that the remains were Specialist Guillens. During her time in service, she completed one nine-month combat tour in Afghanistan where she earned an Army Commendation medal with "C" device and the NATO medal. 6 min read. She pleaded guilty in November and faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Before her killing, Guilln voiced similar concerns to her family about sexual harassment, the Guilln family has said. They encouraged other supporters in cities with murals of the soldier to host candlelight vigils of their own, marking the one-year anniversary of her disappearance from Fort Hood. We've received your submission. Martinez left in a red Dodge, and Mosley got into a white Chrysler. To that extent?' After interviewing more than 500 female soldiers for the report, the panel cited 93 credible accounts of sexual assault, but only 59 incidents were reported, the authors said. Instead, the report said Robinson sexually harassed another soldier. Officers also observed fresh body damage on the passenger side with white paint transfer, according to the court document. Fort Hood officials identified Morta, 26, after he was found unresponsive on Gen. John Murry was set to conduct an in-depth investigation into chain of command actions related to Guillens disappearance and death. April 22: Members of the Guillen family and their attorney held a news conference in D.C. encouraging the passage of the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act. Despite her mothers reservations, she decided to enlist at 18. We are doing everything in our power to get her back and will not stop until we do.. The restaurant owner said Guillen would often go in with other soldiers and friends. Army investigators detained Specialist Robinson in the killing of Specialist Guillen just hours after her remains were found, but a series of missteps allowed him to flee, then fatally shoot himself, according to an Army report released on April 30, 2021. Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brothers toy pistol. For the love of God, help me., June 24:LULAC urged Latino families tostop their children from enlisting in the Army until Guillen is found and those responsible are brought to justice. Her first duty assignment was with 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colo. She was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in December 2019 and was promoted to sergeant in June, according to the base. Two soldiers are suspected of lighting fires and spray-painting racial slurs and a penis on the walls of a Fort Hood barracks over the weekend, Military.com has learned. "[She said,] 'I'm being sexually harassed by a sergeant.' The officials confirmed that the suspect who killed himself was Aaron Robinson and that Guillen and he were coworkers. "This is an incredible loss for these soldiers' families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division," Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler said in a statement shared online. "The Fort Wainwright community is one of the tightest military communities I've seen in my 32 years of service," Eifler, the division's commanding general, added. Vanessa Guilln, who was killed by a fellow soldier on the installation in April. Narratives from these interviews invoke sadness and outrage.. Gloria toured armory where CID said Guillen was killed. Dec. 9:FHIRC members testified about findings to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. May 22:Another rally is held in Killeen, exactly one month after Guillen's disappearance, in front of Fort Hood. Pvt. If this can happen to my sister, it can happen to anyone else, Lupe Guillen said. Private Gregory Morales went missing in August 2019. In the video, we spoke to Morales' mother a day after a panel's findings of the Texas military base were revealed. Feb. 25: Fort Hood leaders shared the progress madeon the FHIRC findings and recommendations. Its heartbreaking and we are filled with both anger and anguish over the crime committed against Vanessa and on an American military installation, the National President of LULAC, Domingo Garcia said. Agreement. investigating soldier deaths and disappearances of Fort Hood, designated Sept. 30 as Vanessa Guillen Day, talked about interviews and phone records, A congressional delegation arrived in Central Texas, brief the Guillen family on an investigation, FHIRC report showed significant work was needed, report was released and offered nine findings and 70 recommendations. Ms. Aguilar told investigators that Specialist Robinson had picked her up late on April 22 or early on April 23 at the gas station where she worked. All Rights Reserved. Sept. 9:The #IAmVanessaGuillen bill wasintroduced on Capitol Hill. (Bell County Jail) A Fort Hood soldier died from a bullet wound to her head after another soldier who is the father of her child shot her following an altercation at a June 18: 3rd Cavalry Regiment soldiers continued search effortsfor Guillen in the training area near the regiment area of operations, Fort Hood said. U.S. Army officials announced Tuesday that Vanessa Guilln, the 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier who went missing in April, died "in the line of duty." April 30, 2023. Example video title will go here for this video. testified about findings to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Thanks for contacting us. Latest Local News Authorities alleged Guilln was murdered by Aaron David Robinson, a fellow soldier who died by suicide when law enforcement made contact with him. Hood ( FOX 44/KWKT) The death of a female soldier is under investigation at Fort Hood. Here is a timeline of events starting with the day Guillen went missing. June 12:The Guillen family, joined by the League of United Latin American Citizens, rallied again in front of Fort Hood. Police did not say where Martinez was sitting in the vehicle or who drove her to the hospital. Alejandra Ruiz Zarco, the soldiers mother, told the Spanish-language news outlet from her home in Mexico that Basalduaruiz had complained about being sexually harassed by her superior and other colleagues on the base. Fort Lee, an Army base in Virginia named after a Confederate general, was renamed on Thursday as Fort Gregg-Adams to Fort Hood is being renamed this May after years of negative headlines that have marred the reputation of the U.S. Army post. He drove the white Chrysler to the interview, and police said the vehicle had damage and missing paint on the drivers side bumper. Human remains found were found near the Leon River. A memorial at her home was surrounded by angels and figures of the Virgin Mary, which Specialist Guillen wore on a gold necklace that she never removed. Guillen's sister, Mayra, spoke to ABC News' Stephanie Ramos after the report's release. It gets to me every time I hear somebody else passed or somebody else was hurt.. Tim Miller with Texas Equusearch said the remains were found in a shallow grave but were concealed well enough that dogs used in the first search did not find them. Fort Hood said the team would gather evidence, consider it and report findings and make recommendations. Families said that policy implied that missing soldiers were problems for leaders, who did not prioritize finding them. A woman who was the only person charged in the 2020 killing pleaded guilty on Tuesday to four counts including accessory to murder after the fact. Martinez was struck in the head with a bullet and driven to Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights, according to the court document. She died Thursday, officials said. Guillen's death launched a sweeping probe into sexual misconduct at Fort Hood. Rosecrans was found to have multiple gunshots to the head and neck, which were fired at close range, the affidavit states. I want my little girl back. Vanessa Guillen dominated headlines, Morales' body was discovered in a field just miles from the base. Sept. 15: Aguilars trial was delayed. At 94 years old, Gregg is the only living person in the Armys history to His death was ruled a suicide. On March 29, nine people died after two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a routine training mission in Kentucky. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. A fourth soldier remains in the hospital where they are being treated for injuries sustained in the crash. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. And, of course, there is the stain of Guillns murder. The Bell County District Attorneys Office began reviewing the possibility of enhanced charges in the wake of Martinezs death, according to police. This girl is my life. Officers inspected the red Dodge at the hospital and observed it to have several apparent bullet holes in the hood and passenger side of the vehicle. The Family Horse Source - is an all breed multi-disciplinewebsite with emphasis on horsecare, equine health, training and welfare, Since 1995, The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care has been essential reading for responsible horse owners and caretakers, Shop for discounted horse supplies, tack, saddles, clothing and boots. Oct. 8: Fort Hoodannounced they set up a hotline where soldiers can report incidents of harassment and military equal opportunity complaints. Sept. 8: Two congressional subcommittee chairs sent a letter to McCarthy saying they wereinvestigating soldier deaths and disappearances of Fort Hood, including that of Guillen. The review also found that the Armys Criminal Investigation Division the same agency that found no foul play in Balsaduaruizs death was understaffed, overwhelmed and filled with inexperienced investigators. ", READ ALSO: Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales allowed burial with military honors, Watch live newscasts and in-depth reporting from ABC13 on your favorite streaming devices, like Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and AndroidTV. Follow Steve Campion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, was arrested and originally charged with aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon for the late-night shooting, according to the Killeen Police Department. July 30:The Guillen family held a rally in D.C. to demand justice and the passage of the #IAmVanessaGuillen bill with military protections for sexual assault victims. Coronation prompts scrutiny of royal wealth. A Fort Hood soldier who was found dead last month after being reported missing died by suicide, a Dallas medical examiner determined. Information related to any possible harassment will be addressed and investigated fully.. held a hearing on sexual assault in the military. Ana Basaldua Ruiz, who was Fort Hood, like other military installations, has been plagued for years with outbreaks of violent crime and suicides, as well as sexual harassment and sexual assault. Officials said there was no evidence that Guillen was sexually abused or that her disappearance had anything to do with the claims made by the family. The attorney also called for legislation to improve sexual abuse reporting in the military. 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July 17:The 3rd Cavalry Regiment held a memorial for Guillen where she received full military honors. The solider whobludgeoned her to deathwith a hammer and dismembered her later killed himself. Ms. Aguilar said she helped Specialist Robinson dismember the body with an ax or hatchet and a machete-style knife, according to the complaint. Pvt. Play free Games, Puzzles, Quizzes. Natalie Khawam, a lawyer for the family of Specialist Vanessa Guillen, said in early July that her remains had most likely been found and that a suspect in her disappearance had killed himself. Mark Felix/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. At least five homicides were reported at the U.S. Army post that year in addition to deaths related to accidents, suicides, illness, and at least one combat-related death, according to the Associated Press. 3. Other leaders at the 1st Cavalry Division were suspended pending a separate investigation. Leaders at Fort Hood were not proactive in trying to stop crime at the installation, the report concluded, and Army criminal investigators were inexperienced and stretched too thin to wrangle offenders.