Sgt Sarah Roque Death, Obituary – Sgt. Sarah Roque of Ligonier was reported missing from Fort Leonard Wood in southern Missouri back on Oct. 21. Her body was found in a dumpster a day later.
In a chilling case that underscores ongoing issues of violence within the U.S. military, 21-year-old Army Specialist Wooster Rancy has been charged with murder and obstruction of justice following the death of 23-year-old Sergeant Sarah Roque. Her body was found on 22 October 2023, two days after she was reported missing.
The military has yet to disclose further details on Roque’s cause of death or possible motive, but her case has sparked questions about the safety of women serving in the armed forces. Roque, originally from Ligonier, Indiana, served as a mine-detecting dog handler and was a member of the Fifth Engineer Battalion. Joining the Army in 2020
she was recognized with multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Tragically, her promising military career was cut short under circumstances that raise concerns about security and protection for service members on base.
This is not an isolated incident; Sgt. Roque’s death marks the third high-profile murder of a Hispanic female soldier in recent years. Her case draws a dark parallel to the deaths of other female soldiers, such as Vanessa Guillén and Katia Dueñas Aguilar. Guillén’s murder in 2020 at Fort Hood, Texas, revealed systemic problems, including a culture of harassment and cover-ups within the military.
The case led to the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee’s findings that highlighted serious lapses in handling harassment and abuse complaints on military bases. Similarly, Aguilar’s death this past May, after being stabbed nearly 70 times, further illuminated the dangers faced by women in military environments.
The isolation of female soldiers on bases—often far from the support of family and friends—places them at greater risk for violence, according to research by Futures Without Violence, a nonprofit that advocates for ending domestic and military violence. The organization points out that proximity to a strong support network can be crucial for women dealing with harassment, disputes, or other difficulties that may arise during their service. Without such support, women in the military are often left vulnerable, as the tragic case of Sgt. Roque illustrates.
While Fort Leonard Wood officials confirmed that there was no broader threat to personnel on the base following Roque’s death, the case nonetheless amplifies concerns about violence within the ranks. The military has faced calls for reform, emphasizing the need for better protection measures, support systems, and transparency in handling cases of harassment and abuse.
The military’s ongoing silence regarding Roque’s cause of death and the motive behind the alleged crime leaves lingering questions and growing frustration among family, friends, and advocates for reform. Efforts to address the safety of women in uniform remain crucial, as these high-profile cases of violence continue to cast a shadow over the U.S. military. The tragic loss of Sgt. Sarah Roque is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for reform, so that those who dedicate their lives to protecting others can find protection themselves within the military.
