You dont get fired. [11] The secret project was classified as an underground weapons storage area,[12] where weapons were stored in reinforced concrete and steel bunkers. Respect other views and opinions, and keep an open mind. She was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence and pleaded not guilty. Elder Fernandes, a 23-year-old chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, has not been heard from by his family since Sunday, prompting them to report him missing three days later, according to a statement from the Killeen Police Department on Thursday and comments made by family members to ABC News Friday. The Guillen family created social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to call attention to Vanessa's sexual assault allegation and disappearance. The CID and The League of United Latin American Citizens increased the reward for credible information leading to Vanessa Guillen's whereabouts to $50,000 -- $25,000 from each organization. ABC News' Abby Cruz contributed to this report. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Elder Fernandes was last seen by members of his unit on Aug. 17. His mother and aunt, Isabel Fernandes, told ABC News that they spoke to him on the phone several times while he was at the hospital, but he did not reveal much as to why he was there. Add to that, Killeen is basically a crime-ridden ghetto surrounding the post. Before Guilln went missing, she told her family that she was being sexually harassed by one of her sergeants at Fort Hood, according to a website her family set up to promote the search. Two Mexican men and a U.S. citizen have admitted to their roles in an alien smuggling conspiracy which resulted in death, A 40-year-old San Antonio resident has been ordered to federal prison for transporting undocumented aliens, A 24-year-old Laredo resident has been sent to prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in death, Southern District of Texas Family attorney Natalie Kwaham said she was beaten so badly that officials had trouble using dental records to identify her since her teeth were smashed up. A joint investigation later confirmed Oppongagyare, Saint-Joie, Williams and Palmer each served a role in the conspiracy as drivers who would travel to locations in Texas to transport the aliens in exchange for money. If I hadn't been on post at the time, wouldn't have learned about it since it never got publicized. When the bodies start piling up, the situation cannot be ignored. Fort Hood has been in the spotlight because of other missing soldiers, particularly Spc. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. The base is the Army's Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces. He was reported missing by his family, who have not heard from him since Aug. 17. As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate, Fort Hood is continuing its own search efforts. Lupe Guillen said the hashtags #FindVanessaGuillen, #IamVanessaGuillen and #WeAreVanessaGuillen have become a sounding board for other military members who say they've been victims of sex-related crimes while on duty. FYOHNA and RapGodJ audio only. An official website of the United States government. ABC News . Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a 30-month-term of imprisonment for Gore, while Williams received 24 months. Khawam announced at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol that a suspect tied to Guillen's disappearance died by suicide, and that a second suspect, a woman, had been arrested. Elder Fernandes, who was found hanging from a tree over the summer, as well as Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, a 24-year-old soldier who drowned near the base. Guillen was the third service member from the base to be found dead this summer. 2. Officials described Sewell as an African American woman with brown hair and brown eyes who is 5-foot-5. These are only some of many that signaled an alarming pattern that's developed over the years with several of the deaths that occurred on or near the base linked to foul play. And the criminal is now in the military. Ailina Fernandes told The Boston Globe that her son had been hospitalized on Aug. 11 for reasons she did not know, and was reportedly given a ride home by a staff sergeant when he was discharged on Aug. 17. Updated on: June 3, 2016 / 10:45 PM / CBS/AP. Both are currently awaiting sentencing before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaa. "[10], In response, the US Army called for a panel of four civilian consultants to review the "command climate and culture" at Fort Hood in Texas, in the wake of the killing of Spc. "And I am really sorry that I was not able to provide them the information sufficient to reduce their suffering," Major Gen. Scott Efflandt, deputy commanding general of III Corps at Fort Hood, said at a news conference. The officials who have been let go include Major General Scott Efflandt, who was in charge of the base earlier this year when Vanessa Guilln was killed, in addition to Major General Jeffery Broadwater, the commander of the 1st Cavalry Divisions. Sewell was last seen leaving her barracks around 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Robinson told investigators that he only left the house once, to go back to the base to log in on a computer to enroll in training, court documents show. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Army Secretary Ryan McCarty announced in June that an independent probe into the deaths would be launched. Jennifer Sewell, a soldier who's been missing since last Thursday. New Climate Change Report Confirms: Everythings Terrible, But Maybe Not Hopeless. After giving a false statement that Robinson was calling her phone repeatedly because she couldn't find it, she told investigators that on the night of April 22, they took a "long drive" to Belton, Texas, to "look at the stars," according to court document. The base said in a statement on Friday that Fernandes was last seen by members of his unit at a residence in Killeen, Texas. Then would send his little 'soldiers' in to burglarize their homes. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Houston, TX 77002, Houston: 713-567-9000 On Wednesday, his mother traveled from her home in Boston to Texas to search for her son. By bringing in outside consultant civillians, it (1) allows the matter to be taken outside of Army hands,[10] (2) prolongs a proper military investigation, and (3) enables a potential coverup of a sexual assault ring involving high level officers. On June 19, skeletal remains found near Fort Hood, following an anonymous tip, were later identified as Pvt. Murder suspect Aaron Robinson, 20, took his own life after fleeing the base. Sometimes these absences garner media attention but the majority of them do not. The 1st Cavalry Division confirmed there is an open investigation into alleged abusive sexual contact involving Fernandes to ABC News Friday evening, saying that he was moved to a new unit and steps were taken to shield him from retribution. Vanessa Guillen. Law enforcement, Sewells chain-of-command and her family have been unable to contact her in the time since. A sergeant stands guard at the entrance to Fort Hood Army base in Texas April 2, 2014. n attorney for Vanessa Guillens family has said that Aaron Robinson is a suspect in Guillens disappearance and he killed himself, Robinsons girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, the estranged wife of a Fort Hood soldier, was also involved, officialssaid, The missing person's poster relating to the 20-year-old's disappearance in April, Civilian who helped soldier cut up Vanessa Guillens body after he bludgeoned her to death is identified. [5] Wedel was scheduled to be discharged within days of his disappearance, the Army said. What this means: Please keep any "meta" discussion directed at specific users, mods, or r/conspiracy in general in this comment chain only. Abram Salas II, 21, who was the focus of a search that started after he failed to report for duty on June 23, returned to his unit on Saturday, Fort Hood confirmed Tuesday in a press release . Anyone with information about where she might be is asked to contact Fort Hood Military Police. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command received notification from Guillen's captain that she was last seen on the Fort Hood base. Have a question about Government Services? The circumstances of related deaths have exposed an underground human sex trafficking ring in Killian, Texas, with West Fort Hood as the hub. Authorities in Texas are searching for another missing Fort Hood soldier amid a tumultuous period for the base that's included multiple service members turning up dead. Khawam announced that the human remains discovered 20 miles from Fort Hood on June 30 were positively identified as Guillen. Fernandes' older brother, Elton Fernandes, said that he spoke to him about the alleged incident, asking if it was true. Despite the claims that officials are being fired for failing to prevent violence at the base, former military personnel on Twitter have concerns about how the system works. 56, WARNING:FORT HOOD HAS DECLARED WAR ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. And in her statement, Khawam said Fernandes is the thirteenth Fort Hood soldier to have "vanished or been killed" this year. Pfc. Online there was a group of young teens bragging about breaking into houses of soldiers. [20], Spc. He was reported by US Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) to have commited suicide "As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, the suspect displayed a weapon and discharged it toward himself. "We are seeking your help in locating Sgt. The investigation began June 13, 2021. Khawam said the body was found hanging in a tree, and that a backpack on the scene had Fernandes' driver's license inside. Fax Line: 713-718-3300. "On Sunday, he spoke with his mom, promising that he will call on Monday from his phone to give us more information," said Isabel Fernandes. Initial investigation appears that Sewell left for unknown reasons on her own accord, the statement said, noting she does not own a vehicle. Gregory Wedel-Morales, 23, who had been missing since August of 2019, was found in . Aguilar told authorities the two of them then dismembered Guillen's body using a "hatchet or machete type knife" and buried pieces of her body in three separate holes, according to court documents. The Unacknowledged special access projects around the targeted individual phenomena are originated around there as well. [8], Wedel family said, Its frustrating that there havent been any arrests made in anything else. Rule 2 does not apply when replying to this stickied comment. Updates will be provided when the investigation is complete, he added. Her sisters said Guillen, 20, told them and fellow soldiers that she was being sexually harassed by a superior and was fearful of reporting the incident because of potential retaliation. Gregory Wedel-Morales missing since 2019, Pvt. Fort Hood is shady as fuck. Is a lawyer and publicity to beat the army up to get answers? Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia and the Guillen family met with Fort Hood leadership, who told them they suspected foul play in Vanessa's disappearance. Also in July, the army named a five-person civilian panel to conduct a review of the culture at Fort Hood. Fernandes was last seen wearing a black Army T-shirt and shorts with black, orange and yellow athletic shoes. "The unit also facilitated his transfer from a unit who has recently deployed to a different unit within the brigade to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.". Ninety-three of them were ultimately declared deserters, and of those, 15 remain unaccounted for. Based on information gathered from fellow soldiers, Fernandes "may have left Fort Hood on his own accord," according to a statement from the Army Criminal Investigation Command Friday. McCarthy told reporters at the Pentagon that he was disappointed in the commanders at Fort Hood and that without leadership, systems dont matter.. [10] The Army, League of United Latin American Citizens and Houston rapper Baby Bash have pooled together a $55,000 reward for information on Vanesssas Guillen's disappearance. The FDA Has Officially Approved Pfizers COVID Vaccine. LAREDO, Texas Two soldiers stationed in Texas have been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. The military base's 1st Cavalry Division has asked for public help in locating the 23-year-old specialist. The body of Vanessa Guillen, 20,was found in a shallow grave near where she vanished in April. [12] The training in this facility is unlike any other facility. On June 19, authorities discovered skeletal remains,[5] which they claimed to belong to Wedel-Morales. Construction crews carved out tunnels and blast-proof underground steel vaults. Army officials said that one suspect in the case killed himself, and another was arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Nothing about Brandon. Shady for sure. Sgt. Freddy Delacruz with Chuck Norris in 2019. FORT HOOD, Texas -- Recovery teams have located the bodies of four Army soldiers who went missing when their truck overturned in a fast-flowing . But the investigation into her disappearance uncovers more than anyone bargained for - secrets, lies, and a system that failed to protect the people within it. Prior to this year, there were 38 deaths at Fort Hood in 2019, including 17 deaths by suicide; in 2018, there were a total of 28 deaths, with 16 deaths by suicide. Later, as local police and federal marshals closed in on Robinson, he died by suicide. The news was first announced by the family's attorney Natalie Khawam on Wednesday. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Results from the investigation will be released in October. His aunt said Fernandes used to live at the address, but his former roommate told the family he had not stayed there for some time, and never entered after he was dropped off. [2], In McQueens statementhe knew a man who would attend a party and have sex and that he believed [they] could make money there and a lot of it. He added, We specifically talked about swinger parties, stripper parties.[3], Part of the Killeen, Texas sex trafficking scandal, Subterranean training at West Fort Hood, 2014 in Night Vision. We hope to challenge issues which have captured the publics imagination, from JFK and UFOs to 9/11. Her family says she was the target of sexual harassment. What Happened At Fort Hood That Led To 14 Firings? This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. An investigation into Hernandezvargas's death is currently underway. Its super sketchy. A Fort Hood soldier who authorities identified earlier Thursday as another suspect in Guillen's disappearance, E-4 Specialist Aaron David Robinson, allegedly told Aguilar that he killed a. We are exceedingly thankful for the communitys support and will issue another statement shortly, officials on post said in a Facebook post. The 20-year-old went missing from her Army base on April 22. Gore has since been discharged from the Army. Im at a dead end and cant find anything, Ft Hood Body Count: can't top Fort Bragg Body Count, https://www.dvidshub.net/news/136750/suicide-real-major-concern-fort-bragg-and-nation, https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/27/us/rash-of-wife-killings-at-ft-bragg-leaves-the-base-wondering-why.html. Five were murdered. [16] The remains were found in a shallow grave, and search operations were suspended pending identification, said Texas EquuSearch. Army Names Independent Panel In Fort Hood Review, Following Vanessa Guillen Killing. Khawam announced at the press conference, attended by veterans including Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, that she's planning to propose legislation to protect U.S. military soldiers from sexual harassment and sexual assault. Robinson enlisted Aguilar to help him dispose of Guillen's body, according to the complaint. Meanwhile, an Army official said Army investigators have found information that Guillen was harassed, but that it was not sexual harassment, as Guillen's family has claimed, and that it did not involve alleged killer Robinson. Officials at Fort Hood in Texas are searching for Pfc. The remains were found in a field in Killeen, Texas, about 26 miles from the site of Guillns remains at Leon River. Recruiting commanders and captains bargain with their general to even out the averages so all commands make mission. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/army-suspects-foul-play-disappearance-fort-hood-soldier-vanessa-guillen-n1231928/, Army suspects foul play when they find Gregory Morales body outside of Fort Hood. Windows 10 is a Tool to Spy on Everything You Do, Maximum building height in Western Europe, FORT HOOD HAS DECLARED WAR ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. She said at a press conference that she learned his body had been found on Tuesday night. In a harrowing twist, the search for Guillen kicks off the same week that investigators uncovered the skeletal remains of Private Gregory Wedel-Morales, one of two Fort Hood soldiers who went. After a year of record violence at Fort Hood in 2020, army leaders have announced that they are firing or suspending 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at the base. ET) October 7, according to a statement by the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), which said she failed to report to work that day. Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a 30-month-term of imprisonment for Gore, while Williams received 24 months. "The unit continues to search areas of the base and is periodically checking his home, area hotels, and other areas of interest," a Fort Hood official said. The army either didn't care or was covering up her murder. Elder Fernandes," the 1st Cavalry said in a statement. Investigators said he likely drowned, though no foul play is suspected. Warning: Tampering with sensitive contents on this page may constitute a violation of law, and may be subject to world-wide-web service disconnect. The Commander at Fort Hood, Lt. General Pat White, will not face any administrative action. Soldiers were assaulted, beaten, robbed. Fort Hood is conducting an investigation in whether Guilln was sexually harassed or not.[10]. Isaiah Gore, 21, and Denerio Williams, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2021, another co-conspirator Ivory Palmer, 21, pleaded guilty Jan. 10. His family also traveled from Massachusetts to Texas to help look for him. At the time, neither Robinson nor Aguilar were identified. Anyone with information on Fernandes is urged to contact the Fort Hood Military Police at 254-288-1170, U.S. Army CID at 254-287-2722, or the Killeen Police Department at 254-200-7905. Vanessa Guillen was last seen in the parking lot of the Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters for 3rd Cavalry Regiment, The president offered to personally help pay for Guillen's funeral, Trump reportedly told Guillen's family he supported the congressional bill titled #IAmVanessaGuillen. 1000 Louisiana, Ste. Fort Hood investigators said on their Facebook page that they "have no credible information or report that Guillen was sexually assaulted.". Killeen Police Department and Harker Heights PD have confirmed pending investigations involving up to seven soldiers who were brutally murdered from 2019 to 2020.[4]. The soldiers leadership team reportedly remained in consistent communications with his mother throughout the search, the post said. Posted: May 16, 2022 / 07:12 AM CDT. The Guillen family and Khawam said the deceased male suspect was a superior officer who allegedly walked in on Vanessa as she was showering, sat down and watched her. Khawam later said she was told Guillen and Robinson had an argument in the armory where they worked after she discovered his alleged affair with the estranged wife of a former soldier. CNN The body of a missing Fort Hood soldier has been found. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Mark Hicks prosecuted the case. In its statement, Fort Hood said there was no connection between Fernandes' disappearance and any other ongoing cases at the base. [1], McQueen reportedly planned "sex parties" for high-ranking officers at Fort Hood and recruited subordinate female soldiers to the fledgling prostitution ring. [10] He held the rank of Specialist at the time of his death. While at work on April 22, Guillen was contacted by a fellow soldier, Specialist Aaron David Robinson, via text message to deliver paperwork regarding a machine gun that needed to be serviced, according to court documents. A lock ( https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/army-suspects-foul-play-disappearance-fort-hood-soldier-vanessa-guillen-n1231928/, https://heavy.com/news/2020/06/foul-play-suspected-after-greg-morales-found-dead/, https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/05/21/fort-hood-soldier-found-shot-dead-near-burning-jeep/. Aguilar is interviewed twice by investigators. His girlfriend Cecily Ann Aguilar, 22, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. either didn't care or was covering up her murder. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. appreciated. Im former military. Federal prosecutors have saidGuillens body, found in July, was mutilated and burnedbefore it was placed in three different holes after she was bludgeoned to death. "Our worst nightmare has happened," Khawam said. The prolonging process, in a sizable coverup, is given in the following report: Although authorities said there is no connection between the two cases of Wedel-Morales and Guillen, Atlantas Cold Case Investigative Research Institute founder, Sheryl McCollum, disagrees, who maintains that the soldiers deaths are linked. CID investigators interviewed Aguilar again, and she allegedly admitted that Robinson told her that he'd bludgeoned Guillen to death with a hammer, according to court documents. Assistant district attorney from Williamson County suspended after DWI wreck in Hewitt, Austin police looking for teen mom who ran away from state facility with newborn son, Tornadic weather conditions made it difficult for fire crews to extinguish house that caught fire after being struck by lightning, New non-profit coming to Bell County in fight against homelessness, Change was like night and day: Mother testifies in retrial of ex-Waco day care owner charged in childs overdose death. I mean we can all do that.[4], The family of Gregory Wedel-Morales says that lack of justice coupled with a lack of transparency is serious cause for concern adding that Fort Hood needs to do a better job of ensuring safety for their younger soldiers on and off post. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Several social media groups had been raising awareness about the soldiers disappearance for days before the Army post acknowledged the disappearance Sunday evening. Missing Fort Hood soldier found by: Allison Fox O'Connor. Army officials. An attorney was not listed for her among online court records. Officials within Vanessa Guillen's unit become aware she's missing, according to court documents. Multiple deaths of young US soldiers at Fort Hood,[4] has shed light on a sexual assault ring in Killeen, Texas. Can you elaborate more on the bush highway? Fernandes was officially considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL) on Tuesday, according to a base official. But some families havent been able to confirm the bodies of our loved ones, leaving us to believe that Aaron David Robinson has been kidnapped. Abram Salas II, 21, did not report for . All are active duty soldiers with the U.S. Army. Specialist Cole Jakob Aton was the most recent death,after he was hit by a car and died on August 12. It's right up there as most hated place to be posted. [10] Her car keys, room key, identification card and wallet were found in an armory room where she was working that day.[8], CID told the Guilln family that Vanessa was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory room where she worked, and Her body was transported from the military installation by her killer,[10], The investigation into Guilln's disappearance is separate from another into her family's claim that she was sexually harassed. A number of service members have died or gone missing while stationed at the Army post just outside Killeen, Texas, in recent years, including 20-year-old Spc. Isaiah Gore, 21, and Denerio Williams, 22, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2021, another co-conspirator Ivory Palmer, 21, pleaded guilty Jan. 10. "[8], There is "no credible evidence" for sexual assault in the case of Aaron Robinson (above), says CID[8], Aaron David Robinson, 20, was a soldier from Calumet City, a southern suburb of Chicago, Illinois. There is widespread public misunderstanding of what happens when a Soldier . The 20-year-old's family drove to Washington, D.C. from Texas to demand a Congressional investigation into her disappearance and their assertion that she was sexually assaulted, and ultimately. Authorities further confirmed that Gore actively recruited people to pick up undocumented aliens. He had been reported missing on Aug. 18. Guillns family has shared that Robinson also sexually harassed her. Since the 21st century, the complex has been used for tunnel warfare training, by various units, who are stationed at Fort Hood. 22, was charged on July 2 with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence . Updated: May 16, 2022 / 07:13 AM CDT. Fort Hood conspiracy involves a grand scale sexual assault ring in Killeen, Texas, that utilizes underground facilities, particularly West Fort Hood, to conduct human trafficking transactions. Anyone with information on Fernandes is urged to contact the Fort Hood Military Police at 254-288-1170, U.S. Army CID at 254-287-2722, or the Killeen Police Department at 254-200-7905. Aguilar later recognized Guillen . Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. According to Khawam, Fernandes was sexually assaulted by his sergeant, then "bullied and hazed for reporting it.". "[8], Cecily Anne Aguilar, wife of an unnamed former Fort Hood soldier[8], CID claims that, Robinson called a woman he was involved with to help him dispose of Guilln's body after moving it outside the base., On July 2nd, the FBI formally submited a criminal complaint for a civillian identified as Cecily Anne Aguilar,[16] the estranged wife of a former unnamed soldier from Fort Hood. A Lot Of People Bought Cuomosexual Merch In 2020. Aguilar is expected in federal court in Waco, Texas, for arraignment on July 6. U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas, Fort Hood soldiers sentenced for role in alien smuggling conspiracy, Three men admit to fatal smuggling event in Mission, Texan sentenced for transporting people in trunk, Fort Hood Soldiers Sentenced For Role In Alien Smuggling Conspiracy.