Shocking Accusation Unfolds at Fort Leonard Wood: Investigation Underway

The military community at Fort Leonard Wood reels after Specialist Wooster Rancy’s arrest in connection to Sgt. Sarah Roque’s tragic death.

At a Glance

Specialist Wooster Rancy charged with murder in connection to Sgt. Sarah Roque’s death.
Sgt. Roque was found in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood after being reported missing.
Both soldiers belonged to the 5th Engineer Battalion, continuing the investigation without a clear motive.
The military community is mourning Sgt. Roque’s loss and providing support to those affected.

Murder at Fort Leonard Wood

Specialist Wooster Rancy, a 21-year-old U.S. Army soldier, faces murder charges following the death of Sergeant Sarah Roque at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Sgt. Roque was found dead in a dumpster adjacent to military housing on October 21. Both Rancy and Roque were members of the 509th Engineer Company, part of the 5th Engineer Battalion. This incident deeply impacts the military installation, prompting mourning and further investigation to piece together the events surrounding Roque’s death.

Authorities discovered Sgt. Roque’s body after she was reported missing when she failed to appear for duty. Specialist Rancy, already charged with murder, also faces obstruction of justice charges. Army CID continues its investigation, yet no motive has been determined, and it remains unclear if Rancy and Roque knew each other at the time of her death. The news conference is expected to shed light on these complex circumstances, providing crucial updates.

Man charged in death of Army sergeant found dead inside dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood https://t.co/ceMQpIoQds

— KSDK News (@ksdknews) November 1, 2024

Community Grief and Support

At Fort Leonard Wood, the military community and staff express their profound sorrow at the devastating loss of Sgt. Roque. Brigadier General Christopher Beck encapsulated the sentiment: “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.”

Sergeant Roque, a committed and brave soldier, enlisted in 2020. She served as a bridge crew member and mine dog handler. Throughout her service, she was recognized with several prestigious military awards, including the Army Commendation Medal. The Army community offers their condolences to Roque’s family, acknowledging her honorable commitment to serving the nation.

UPDATE: A 21-year-old Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., soldier on Wednesday was charged with murder in the death of a sergeant whose body was found last week in a dumpster near the base barracks.https://t.co/3ndnJZkXbv

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 31, 2024

Continuing Investigation

Specialist Rancy is in pretrial confinement at the Midwest Joint Regional Confinement Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. With a preliminary hearing upcoming, the legal process continues. Fort Leonard Wood military officials intend to address the situation thoroughly, ensuring justice is served for Sgt. Roque and all those impacted by her passing.

With unresolved questions about motive and the relationship between Rancy and Roque, the military community and her family seek answers to find closure. The repercussions of this loss, coupled with other unresolved murders involving service members, have renewed discussions surrounding safety and support within military installations and among their personnel.