Source | Soldier Accused of Female Sergeant Murder Found Dead at Army Base

A 21-year-old soldier has been charged with the murder of Sergeant Sarah Roque, whose body was tragically found in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, last week. Roque, a 23-year-old mine detection dog handler, was reported missing after he did not show up for morning training on October 21. A base-wide search was quickly launched and his body was found near his barracks the same day.

Special Agent in Charge John McCabe of the Midwestern Army Criminal Investigation Division announced an arrest in the case within three days of discovery. However, the suspect’s name was not released to the press until October 31. The defendant, Specialist Wooster Rancy of the 5th Engineer Battalion, is charged with murder and is currently being held in pretrial detention awaiting an evidentiary hearing.

Rancy, 21, of North Miami, Florida, enlisted in 2022 as a combat engineer. stripes.com. His military career placed him at Fort Leonard Wood, where he became a member of the 5th Engineer Battalion.

The loss of Sergeant Roque sent shockwaves through the military community. Roque was born in Lubbock, Texas and grew up in Ligonier, Indiana. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2020, beginning his service as a combat engineer and later serving as a bridge crew member and boat operator with the 5th Engineer Battalion. Roque demonstrated his determination and courage by deploying to Poland with the 74th Multi-Purpose Bridge Company from October 2020 to August 2022.

Roque re-enlisted in the military in 2022 and began working as a mine detection dog handler; it was a position that demonstrated his passion for specialized military work. He was partnered with his loyal detection dog, Zorro, and the two formed a critical team in the unit’s operations.

His obituary highlights his remarkable career and the dedication he showed to every task. The investigation into his tragic death continues, with authorities determined to achieve justice for Roque and his family.

Prayers are said for their loved ones.