Soldier charged with murder after Fort Leonard Wood sergeant found dead in dumpster

A 21-year-old soldier stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, has been charged with murder in the death of a sergeant whose body was found in a dumpster on the military base after disappearing.

A 21-year-old soldier stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, has been charged with murder in the death of a sergeant whose body was found in a dumpster on the military base after she disappeared. Spc. Wooster Rancy – a combat engineer with the 5th Engineer Battalion – is facing charges for the murder of Sgt. Sarah Roque on October 20 and obstructing justice in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Rancy is in pretrial confinement awaiting a preliminary hearing, a Thursday news release from Fort Leonard Wood said. It is unclear if Rancy has an attorney at this time. Roque, 23, was missing from her morning formation at Fort Leonard Wood on October 21, prompting an immediate search by her unit members, according to authorities. The base’s emergency services and local law enforcement agencies were notified. Fort Leonard Wood is about 140 miles southwest of St. Louis. Her body was found later in the evening in a dumpster on the base, according to Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Fort Leonard Wood’s commanding officer. Days later, on October 24, the base announced that a person of interest had been taken into custody in connection with the death. Roque’s death is under investigation by the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). It’s unclear whether there was a relationship between Rancy and Roque, and a motive in the killing has not been announced. CNN has sought comment from CID and the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. Beck said at a news conference last week that the Fort Leonard Wood community is “devastated” by the tragic loss. He extended his “deepest sympathies” to Roque’s family, friends and fellow soldiers.