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 the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, a 23-year-old Indiana native, was being investigated as a potential homicide. Beck said investigators do have a person of interest in the case but said he could not provide more information about the ongoing investigation.
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.
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.
McCabe said during the press conference that the person of interest is not in custody, but he 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.
Sergeant Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, was a bridge crewmember, serving as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, the Army said in a press release. The release said she enlisted in 2020, and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.
Sergeant Roque’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, the press release said.
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 Leonwood 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 central Missouri, off Interstate 44 between Rolla and Lebanon.