Missing Female Soldier Found Dead At 23 -- Killed & Left In US Army Dumpster

A missing soldier in the US Army has sadly been found dead.

Sergeant Sarah Roque (pictured above) completely vanished on Monday, October 21. The 23-year-old was reported missing after she failed to show up for duty at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri where she was currently stationed. At the time, the fort’s Facebook page asked for help in locating the young woman:

“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Sgt. Sarah Roque, a missing Soldier assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion. Roque’s last known whereabouts were in the vicinity of Fort Leonard Wood, according to Fort Leonard Wood’s Directorate of Emergency Services. Her chain of command and her family have been unable to contact her.”

So scary! She seemed to just disappear without a trace… right on the grounds…

Her family wouldn’t get the ending they were hoping for, unfortunately. A press release revealed she was found dead just one day after she went missing — abandoned in a dumpster on fort grounds. In the write-up, Fort Leonard Wood described her as a very decorated and dedicated soldier:

“It is with a heavy heart that we inform the Fort Leonard Wood community that our missing Soldier, Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, has been found deceased. Sergeant Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, is a bridge crewmember, serving as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Engineer Battalion. 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.”

Major General Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, also expressed his thoughts in the statement about Sarah:

“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 … Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably. 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.”

Heartbreaking. And the fact so little is known is SO terrifying…

See the full statement (below):

Shockingly, another update was made on Thursday revealing “a person of interest has been taken into custody” in relation to the soldier’s death. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Beck confirmed in a press conference this IS being investigated as a homicide, per ABC News:

“As a commander and a leader, this is a tragedy. This is something that we never want to happen, we never want for the family to have to endure, or for the unit to have to endure.”

Our heart goes out to Sarah’s family and loved ones. May she get the justice she deserves.

R.I.P.

[Image via US Army Fort Leonard Wood/Facebook]