Soldier charged with murder in death of Missouri Sgt

A soldier was charged with murder in death of a fellow service member at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, the military announced Thursday.

The Office of the Army Special Counsel charged 21-year-old Spc. Wooster Rancy Wednesday with murder and obstruction of justice in the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23 years old. Roque – who was from Ligonier, Indiana and worked as a mine detection dog handler – was reported missing on October 20. Her body was discovered in a trash can at the base two days later.

Fort Leonard Wood officials said last week they were investigating Roque’s death as a homicide and had taken a person of interest into custody last Thursday. Officials also emphasized that there is no broader threat to base personnel or the community.

But Army investigators have released few other details about what happened, including Roque’s cause of death or a possible motive.

Officials said the suspect is from North Miami, Florida and joined the Army in 2022. He serves as a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion and completed basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood. He is being held in custody and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Roque enlisted in 2020. Her awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. She was a member of the 5th Engineer Battalion and enlisted in 2020.