She was killed on April 22, 2020, and her disappearance became the focus of a nationwide search before her remains were found on June 30, 2020, in a concrete-like substance buried along the Leon River. As you know, there has been a lot of updates since we last spoke. Vanessa Guillen was harassed prior to her disappearance, Col. Ralph Overland said. July 2: Then-Fort Hood Maj. General Scott Efflandt and Fort Hood CID representatives held an update on the case. Gregory Morales was one of the dozens of soldiers based at Fort Hood who died under a questionable culture. Alejandra Ruiz Zarco, the soldiers mother, told the Spanish-language news outlet from her home in Mexico that Basalduaruiz had complained about being sexually harassed by her superior and other colleagues on the base. Lucy Del Gaudio, an advocate for women in the military whos acting as a spokesperson for Basalduaruizs family, told CBS News that the Army so far has stonewalled their inquiries about the young soldiers alleged sexual harassment. Police also said they could see a handgun on the floorboard. We continue to grow our selection to accommodate each discipline of rider. Twenty-eight soldiers died at the base in 2020 from homicides, suicides and accidents. The 21-year-old combat engineer was pronounced dead Monday less than three years after the brutal murder of Vanessa Guillen, who had also endured alleged sexual harassment before being bludgeoned with a hammer and butchered. It's been 10 years since Nidal Hasan killed 12 soldiers and one civilian during a shooting rampage at Fort Hood and six years since he was sentenced to die for the Two witnesses later said that on the same day, they saw Specialist Robinson coming out of the arms room, pulling a large tough box with wheels that appeared very heavy in weight, according to the complaint. The Army blamed officials for letting Guillns killer Spc. The 21-year-old served for 15 months as a combat engineer at Fort Hood, the same Texas base where Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen was killed in 2020. Aaron Robinson, a soldier in Fort Hood, had fled the post, KXXV reported, and officials were trying to locate him once he was suspected as being involved in Guillens disappearance. Coronation prompts scrutiny of royal wealth. The case also led to multiple investigations including an independent review of the climate and culture on Fort Hood that resulted in major leadership changes on post and an overhaul of how the Army should handle sexual assault and harassment cases. Wedel said she doesn't know if an independent review board's report will really change the base for the better. Then, he and Aguilar attempted to dispose of the body by mutilating it and attempting to burn it before burying the pieces somewhere along the Leon River. Vanessa Guilln was sexually harassed by another soldier at Fort Hood but not the one who killed her last year, military officials said in a report released Friday. Jan. 26, 2021: New Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered senior leaders to gather reports on sexual assault prevention programs in the military and assessments of what does and doesnt work. How rich is King Charles? In the video, we spoke to Morales' mother a day after a panel's findings of the Texas military base were revealed. Cpl. A year after Vanessa Guillen's death, here's a look at the tragic chain of events that inspired a nationwide movement to protect those who serve. She pleaded guilty in November and faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Thanks for contacting us. "[She said,] 'I'm being sexually harassed by a sergeant.' A Fort Hood soldier died from a bullet wound to her head after another soldier who is the father of her child shot her following an altercation at a nightclub in Killeen, Texas, according to police and base officials. Aug. 30: Five civilian members of theFort Hood Independent Review Committee arrived on Fort Hood for a two-week fact-finding mission. They just assumed the worst and let it go.. The review would look at command climate culture, the surrounding military community, Army values like safety, respect inclusivity, commitment to diversity and sexual harassment. He has served in senior leadership since 2017 and last year became the Army secretary, a position that sets the tone for culture and mission priorities. The Bell County District Attorneys Office began reviewing the possibility of enhanced charges in the wake of Martinezs death, according to police. A makeshift memorial for U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen at Power House Gym in Houston in August 2020. Ms. Aguilar told investigators that Specialist Robinson had picked her up late on April 22 or early on April 23 at the gas station where she worked. In June 2020, as the search for missing Spc. A military training flight in Alaska ended in tragedy on Thursday when two U.S. Army helicopters collided into one another, leaving three soldiers dead and a fourth fighting for their life. Mejhor Morta is the most recent soldier stationed at Fort Hood reported to have died. The Fort Hood Fire Department arrived at the barracks at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday after a fire alarm was triggered, according to a statement from the Texas installation. investigating soldier deaths and disappearances of Fort Hood, designated Sept. 30 as Vanessa Guillen Day, talked about interviews and phone records, A congressional delegation arrived in Central Texas, brief the Guillen family on an investigation, FHIRC report showed significant work was needed, report was released and offered nine findings and 70 recommendations. The hotline provides around-the-clock information on MEO and harassment policies and procedures on how and where to file complaints, the behaviors that constitute discrimination and harassment and how to get help if a soldier is sexually harassed. This article was published more than2 years ago. They glossed over the murders, the suicides. In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. Her keys, ID card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier that day. Pvt. Officers also observed fresh body damage on the passenger side with white paint transfer, according to the court document. Efflandt was set to continue serving as deputy commanding general for support and would remain at Fort Hood. Later that same day, Army representatives showed up at the restaurant where Basaldua works and gave him the devastating news. 2023 Stars and Stripes. Vanessa Guillen disappeared off Fort Hood, unleashing a months-long search, rallies and calls for change at the Central Texas military post. Base commander Army Lt. Gen. Pat White escaped any punishment because he was deployed to Iraq for much of the year. The family, who met with President Trump in July, was heartened by the accountability efforts, Khawam said, so what happened to Vanessa Guilln never happens again.. The case also drew particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. RELATED: Prosecution asks judge to deny motion that would throw out confession of woman connected to Fort Hood soldier's death. The Family Horse Source - is an all breed multi-disciplinewebsite with emphasis on horsecare, equine health, training and welfare, Since 1995, The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care has been essential reading for responsible horse owners and caretakers, Shop for discounted horse supplies, tack, saddles, clothing and boots. Army CID said they returned to the area after receiving additional information and discovered partial human remains. The agency had previously searched the area. All Rights Reserved. Pvt. A gruesome affidavit from the FBI details the investigation surrounding the death of specialist Guillen who was killed with a hammer before her body was dismembered. My sisters a human being. March 30: A federal judge granted the prosecution in the case more time to prepare their response to the motion filedto suppress statements Aguilar made about Guillens death. They did so despite pleas from his mother, Kim Wedel, to find her son. addressed Guillens case via on Facebook. June 12:The Guillen family, joined by the League of United Latin American Citizens, rallied again in front of Fort Hood. Emergency responders talk near the scene of an accident at Fort Hood at Owl Creek Park near Gatesville, Texas, on Thursday, June 2, 2016. The reckoning at Fort Hood came after the disappearance and killing of Spec. Aaron Robinson, shot himself in June of that year as police tried to arrest him. July 17:The 3rd Cavalry Regiment held a memorial for Guillen where she received full military honors. P7_LSMop('p7LSM_1',3,0,100,500,1,1,1,1,0,1,5,1,0,1,0,0,0,100,1); Fort Lee, an Army base in Virginia named after a Confederate general, was renamed on Thursday as Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two Black officers who served in the U.S. Army. The organization also said the handling of Guillen's case was "troubling and reckless.". Aaron Robinson, killed himself in Killeen as police closed in to arrest him. Gregory Wedel-Morales vanished in August 2019 days before he was scheduled to leave the Army, leaving officials to declare him absent without leave, then a deserter. A witness told investigators that Specialist Guillen left the arms room where she had been working and went to the arms room controlled by Specialist Robinson to confirm serial numbers for weapons and equipment, the complaint said. Specialist Guillens case captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures including former President Trump, who met with her family at The White House. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool. We are very concerned for the welfare of Pfc. July 2: A federal criminal complaintfiled in the case revealed chilling details on Guillen's disappearance and death. 6 min read. Leaders reported they have completed nearly 15 of the 70 total recommendations and said they initiated action on 27 others. The attorney also called for legislation to improve sexual abuse reporting in the military. Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved. One of the most notable deaths at the Army post that year was the murder of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen. July 6:Aguilarfaced a federal judge for the first time in Waco. Dec. 29: Aguilar'strial was delayed for a third time. The punishments are the latest Army moves in response to Guillns disappearance and death. Sept. 2:The new commanding general takes over on Fort Hood. Fort Lee, an Army base in Virginia named after a Confederate general, was renamed on Thursday as Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two Black officers who served in the U.S. Army. a sexual assault investigation in Guillens case. Each AH-64 Apache chopper had two soldiers on board. Sept. 9:The #IAmVanessaGuillen bill wasintroduced on Capitol Hill. I will be speaking to the family soon. WebThe murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old United States Army soldier, took place inside an armory at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 22, 2020, when she was bludgeoned to death by No confirmation was given on who the remains belonged to at that time. July 14: Aguilar, charged with three counts of conspiracy to tamper with evidence in the case, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bond. During an emotional interview with Telemundo News, Basalduaruizs parents said they were told by Fort Hood brass that their daughter died by suicide. The Killen Police Department is leading the investigation into Morales' death, in which foul play is suspected. June 23: Fort Hood CID confirmed investigators suspected foul play as Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and the Guillen family met with leaders. The 6 News team bids a fond farewell to sports anchor Matt Lively, Tornado Watch issued for most of Central Texas, Motion to throw out the confession of woman accused of dismembering, disposing Vanessa Guillen's body was denied. SEATTLE (AP) The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were killed when two helicopters collided in Alaska while returning from a training mission. A total of 101 soldiers have died on the post and off it since 2020, Fort Hood officials told the Express-News. FORT HOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- Fort Hood officials are investigating the death of Private Second Class Ana Basalduaruiz, whose family said she complained to She is my everything, Gloria said. This Week in Texas explores new bills moving closer to governor's desk, Mom-influencer convicted of lying about kids' attempted kidnapping, Texans conclude 2023 NFL Draft with 5 offensive players, 4 defensive. Sept. 1: Secretary McCarthy spoke about changes needed in the Army in an NBC Dateline interview. After interviewing more than 500 female soldiers for the report, the panel cited 93 credible accounts of sexual assault, but only 59 incidents were reported, the authors said. They had to work each day carrying this burden, and many described having to see the subject/predator working in the same or nearby unit, the report said of survivors. Fort Hood officials said they were not aware of reports of sexual harassment involving Robinson but the investigation was ongoing. Family, friends and community members spoke and honored Guillen at Cesar E. Chavez High School, from which she graduated. Sept. 18: A congressional delegation arrived in Central Texas to meet with Fort Hood leadership and investigate soldier deaths on post. Mehjor Richardson took over for Efflandt, who was set to stay in supporting role. SEATTLE (AP) The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were killed when two helicopters collided in Alaska while returning from a training Rosecrans was found to have multiple gunshots to the head and neck, which were fired at close range, the affidavit states. Families of the deceased and injured have been notified, officials added, though names are being held for 24 hours until next of kin notifications are complete. He fatally shot himself as officers moved in to arrest him. Their efforts, along with those of their attorney, Natalie Khawam, and lawmakers led to a July 2020 meeting with former President Donald Trump. Among the reports findings: Specialist Guillen was sexually harassed, but not by Specialist Robinson, and that he had also been accused of unrelated sexual harassment. Her first duty assignment was with 4th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colo. She was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in December 2019 and was promoted to sergeant in June, according to the base. Two soldiers are suspected of lighting fires and spray-painting racial slurs and a penis on the walls of a Fort Hood barracks over the weekend, Military.com has learned. The report found that a breakdown in communication between his unit and criminal investigation agents allowed him to escape.