oviedo
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TX - PFC Vanessa Guillen, 20, 22 Apr 2020 *MEDIA,MAPS,TIMELINE ONLY NO DISCUSSION
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oviedo
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Woman charged in Fort Hood soldier’s disappearance makes court appearance
WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Cecily Anne Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, who’s accused of helping her boyfriend dismember and bury the body of Fort Hood Spc. Vanesa Guillen, 20, is held without bond after an initial appearance Monday morning before a federal magistrate judge.
She’s charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, according to online records.
The offense carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Attorney Lewis Berray Gainor was appointed to defend Aguilar.
During the Zoom hearing Monday morning authorities revealed that Aguilar’s boyfriend, Spc. Aaron David Robinson, of Calumet City, Ill., admitted early last week during a phone call to Aguilar, as an investigator listened in, that he killed Guillen.
WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Cecily Anne Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, who’s accused of helping her boyfriend dismember and bury the body of Fort Hood Spc. Vanesa Guillen, 20, is held without bond after an initial appearance Monday morning before a federal magistrate judge.
She’s charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, according to online records.
The offense carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Attorney Lewis Berray Gainor was appointed to defend Aguilar.
During the Zoom hearing Monday morning authorities revealed that Aguilar’s boyfriend, Spc. Aaron David Robinson, of Calumet City, Ill., admitted early last week during a phone call to Aguilar, as an investigator listened in, that he killed Guillen.
oviedo
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Rep. Vicente Gonzalez
@RepGonzalez
It is time to demand civilian oversight, accountability, and reform. The family of Spc. Vanessa Guillen and all who are affected by these tragic events deserve more than our thoughts and prayers. They deserve action and answers. #JusticeForVanessaGuillen
11:10 AM · Jul 6, 2020
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez
@RepGonzalez
Proudly representing the 15th District of Texas in U.S. Congress
@RepGonzalez
It is time to demand civilian oversight, accountability, and reform. The family of Spc. Vanessa Guillen and all who are affected by these tragic events deserve more than our thoughts and prayers. They deserve action and answers. #JusticeForVanessaGuillen
11:10 AM · Jul 6, 2020
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez
@RepGonzalez
Proudly representing the 15th District of Texas in U.S. Congress
oviedo
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"Aguilar appeared in front of the judge in Waco, where an affidavit read in court went into great detail of the first weeks of Aguilar and Aaron David Robinson trying to cover up what happened.
When asked if she understood the charges against her Aguilar reportedly said, "Yeah, yeah, sure.""
What the suspect in Vanessa Guillen's case said while in court
When asked if she understood the charges against her Aguilar reportedly said, "Yeah, yeah, sure.""
What the suspect in Vanessa Guillen's case said while in court
oviedo
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Fort Hood to provide update on Vanessa Guillen investigation
FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood announced just after noon Monday it would be holding a press conference at 6 p.m. to update the status of the Vanessa Guillen investigation.
Fort Hood Senior Commander, Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt and 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander Col. Ralph Overland will both speak.
FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood announced just after noon Monday it would be holding a press conference at 6 p.m. to update the status of the Vanessa Guillen investigation.
Fort Hood Senior Commander, Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt and 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander Col. Ralph Overland will both speak.
Seattle1
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Army confirms remains found belong to Vanessa Guillen; lawmakers demand independent investigation
July 6, 2020
The Armed Forces Forensic Examiner confirmed via DNA testing that Guillen’s remains were found by Leon River in Bell County after Guillen went missing on April 22. Guillen’s family was notified of the confirmation Sunday, officials said.
Fort Hood officials said moving forward they plan on assisting the U.S. District Attorney in the prosecution of the suspect and will continue to investigate sexual harassment allegations linked with Guillen’s disappearance and death.
Cecily Aguilar, 22, is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the 20-year-old soldier’s disappearance. She told investigators her estranged husband, soldier Aaron Robinson killed Guillen with a hammer on April 22 and asked her to help him dispose of the body. Robinson died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
[..]
The updates from Fort Hood officials come as Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and 87 other members of Congress sent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding an independent investigation into Fort Hood’s handling of Guillen’s case.
[..]
The letter states that Guillen confided to her family before her disappearance that she “felt unsafe in Fort Hood due to experiences with sexual harassment, which she did not report out of fear for her personal safety.”
Fort Hood officials doubled down last week, refuting claims that sexual assault played a part in Guillen’s disappearance and death.
Lawmakers said after Guillen’s case came to light current and former Latina servicemembers shared their experiences of sexual harassment and assault in the military and it shined a light on a “troubling reality.”
July 6, 2020
The Armed Forces Forensic Examiner confirmed via DNA testing that Guillen’s remains were found by Leon River in Bell County after Guillen went missing on April 22. Guillen’s family was notified of the confirmation Sunday, officials said.
Fort Hood officials said moving forward they plan on assisting the U.S. District Attorney in the prosecution of the suspect and will continue to investigate sexual harassment allegations linked with Guillen’s disappearance and death.
Cecily Aguilar, 22, is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the 20-year-old soldier’s disappearance. She told investigators her estranged husband, soldier Aaron Robinson killed Guillen with a hammer on April 22 and asked her to help him dispose of the body. Robinson died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
[..]
The updates from Fort Hood officials come as Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and 87 other members of Congress sent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding an independent investigation into Fort Hood’s handling of Guillen’s case.
[..]
The letter states that Guillen confided to her family before her disappearance that she “felt unsafe in Fort Hood due to experiences with sexual harassment, which she did not report out of fear for her personal safety.”
Fort Hood officials doubled down last week, refuting claims that sexual assault played a part in Guillen’s disappearance and death.
Lawmakers said after Guillen’s case came to light current and former Latina servicemembers shared their experiences of sexual harassment and assault in the military and it shined a light on a “troubling reality.”
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Rest In Power: Demanding Justice for Vanessa Guillen
July 2, 2020
Guillen’s story is gaining traction around the nation—prompting local protests and an outcry from celebrities and politicians alike—as the soldier’s family has expressed frustration with the military’s response and its handling of the overall investigation.
Guillen’s disappearance and likely death have also prompted somewhat of a #MeToo moment for the military: Before her disappearance, Guillen had disclosed to her family that she was being sexually harassed and feared retaliation—causing her family to believe foul play in her disappearance.
[..]
More questions surrounding Guillen’s case have surfaced, since Krysta Martinez—a fellow soldier who started the #IAmVanessaGuillen and #FindVanessa movements and pushed for answers in the search for Guillen—died in a car crash in June.
Additionally, Tim Miller, the director of Texas EquuSearch, said the discovery of Guillen’s remains was only 26 miles from where the remains of another missing soldier, Gregory Wedel-Morales, were found June 19. Foul play is believed to have played a role in the death of Wedel-Morales.
July 2, 2020
Guillen’s story is gaining traction around the nation—prompting local protests and an outcry from celebrities and politicians alike—as the soldier’s family has expressed frustration with the military’s response and its handling of the overall investigation.
Guillen’s disappearance and likely death have also prompted somewhat of a #MeToo moment for the military: Before her disappearance, Guillen had disclosed to her family that she was being sexually harassed and feared retaliation—causing her family to believe foul play in her disappearance.
[..]
More questions surrounding Guillen’s case have surfaced, since Krysta Martinez—a fellow soldier who started the #IAmVanessaGuillen and #FindVanessa movements and pushed for answers in the search for Guillen—died in a car crash in June.
Additionally, Tim Miller, the director of Texas EquuSearch, said the discovery of Guillen’s remains was only 26 miles from where the remains of another missing soldier, Gregory Wedel-Morales, were found June 19. Foul play is believed to have played a role in the death of Wedel-Morales.
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Military confirms body found was that of Vanessa Guillen
July 6, 2020
KILLEEN, Texas -- Dressed in a gray and white striped shirt and mask, a suspect in the disappearance of Fort Hood Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen faced a judge Monday morning.
Cecily Aguilar, 22, is charged with felony alteration and mutilation to impede an investigation after authorities say she helped hide the body of Guillen.
Aguilar appeared in front of the judge in Waco, where an affidavit read in court went into great detail of the first weeks of Aguilar and Aaron David Robinson trying to cover up what happened.
When asked if she understood the charges against her Aguilar reportedly said, "Yeah, yeah, sure."
[..]
If convicted, Aguilar faces up to 20 years in prison with a maximum $250,000 fine.
Aguilar's next court appearance will be for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on July 14.
July 6, 2020
KILLEEN, Texas -- Dressed in a gray and white striped shirt and mask, a suspect in the disappearance of Fort Hood Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen faced a judge Monday morning.
Cecily Aguilar, 22, is charged with felony alteration and mutilation to impede an investigation after authorities say she helped hide the body of Guillen.
Aguilar appeared in front of the judge in Waco, where an affidavit read in court went into great detail of the first weeks of Aguilar and Aaron David Robinson trying to cover up what happened.
When asked if she understood the charges against her Aguilar reportedly said, "Yeah, yeah, sure."
[..]
If convicted, Aguilar faces up to 20 years in prison with a maximum $250,000 fine.
Aguilar's next court appearance will be for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on July 14.
oviedo
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‘The military’s #MeToo’: In wake of Vanessa Guillén death, servicewomen bear deep scars
For some women in uniform, the case is emblematic of a military culture that they say has downplayed or ignored allegations of sexual harassment and assault and created an atmosphere that pressures men and women to keep accusations quiet.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...illen-servicewomen-veterans/#comments-wrapper
Military needs to provide answers in the Vanessa Guillen case
"While there is much that the public still does not know about Guillen’s case, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance raise red flags. According to her family, Guillen had said that she was being sexually harassed at work — but she had not reported it, which suggests that she may not have trusted those in her chain of command. This inference is no stretch of the imagination, as sexual harassment, assault and rape in the U.S. military are as prevalent as ever, despite prevention efforts. A report by the Defense Department last year found that sexual assaults in the military had surged, driven by a 50 percent increase in assaults on women in uniform."
Military needs to provide answers in the Vanessa Guillen case
For some women in uniform, the case is emblematic of a military culture that they say has downplayed or ignored allegations of sexual harassment and assault and created an atmosphere that pressures men and women to keep accusations quiet.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...illen-servicewomen-veterans/#comments-wrapper
Military needs to provide answers in the Vanessa Guillen case
"While there is much that the public still does not know about Guillen’s case, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance raise red flags. According to her family, Guillen had said that she was being sexually harassed at work — but she had not reported it, which suggests that she may not have trusted those in her chain of command. This inference is no stretch of the imagination, as sexual harassment, assault and rape in the U.S. military are as prevalent as ever, despite prevention efforts. A report by the Defense Department last year found that sexual assaults in the military had surged, driven by a 50 percent increase in assaults on women in uniform."
Military needs to provide answers in the Vanessa Guillen case
Seattle1
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Vanessa Guillen: Civilian search group says Army overlooked evidence
July 14, 2020
AUSTIN, Texas – Military investigators searching for the body of U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen overlooked evidence that could have led to the discovery of her remains a week sooner – and brought resolution to her heartbroken family, the leader of a team of civilian searchers said Friday.
[..]
Tim Miller, founder of the civilian group EquuSearch, said his crew discovered a pile of burned debris June 21 at a rural highway intersection about 20 miles away from Fort Hood and steps from the Leon River.
Miller said he pleaded with Army officials to search the site more thoroughly that day. Military investigators, he said, instead focused their search on the nearby river.
[..]
Guillen’s family has criticized Army officials’ investigation since she disappeared from Fort Hood, alleging they failed to thoroughly search on and off post. Army officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Miller’s account of the search.
[..]
“If we had used ground penetration, we would have likely seen anomalies and stuff in the ground and found her one week prior to when she was found,” Miller said. “It would have been one week less of decomposition.”
Miller said his team pleaded with officials from the Army's Criminal Investigation Command, an organization more commonly known as CID, on June 21 to take a closer look at what his searchers found.
“Army CID said the (burned) case is not the kind they use and that it doesn’t have anything to do with anything,” Miller said. Officials called in the Texas Rangers after the civilian searchers showed them photos of a Pelican case on Google, Miller said.
Authorities dug directly under the burn pile but did not find Guillen’s body, Miller said. They did not search areas around the pile of burned evidence.
Miller said CID officials were uninterested in continuing to search near the pile because a dog trained to help find body parts, tissue, blood and bone walked right over it and did not alert handlers of any signs of human remains.
The dog walked to the Leon River bank and alerted its handlers that it smelled something, he said.
“They relied on that one dog, and instead of searching the area a little more, they were sure (Robinson) threw (Guillen) into the river,” Miller said.
July 14, 2020
AUSTIN, Texas – Military investigators searching for the body of U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen overlooked evidence that could have led to the discovery of her remains a week sooner – and brought resolution to her heartbroken family, the leader of a team of civilian searchers said Friday.
[..]
Tim Miller, founder of the civilian group EquuSearch, said his crew discovered a pile of burned debris June 21 at a rural highway intersection about 20 miles away from Fort Hood and steps from the Leon River.
Miller said he pleaded with Army officials to search the site more thoroughly that day. Military investigators, he said, instead focused their search on the nearby river.
[..]
Guillen’s family has criticized Army officials’ investigation since she disappeared from Fort Hood, alleging they failed to thoroughly search on and off post. Army officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Miller’s account of the search.
[..]
“If we had used ground penetration, we would have likely seen anomalies and stuff in the ground and found her one week prior to when she was found,” Miller said. “It would have been one week less of decomposition.”
Miller said his team pleaded with officials from the Army's Criminal Investigation Command, an organization more commonly known as CID, on June 21 to take a closer look at what his searchers found.
“Army CID said the (burned) case is not the kind they use and that it doesn’t have anything to do with anything,” Miller said. Officials called in the Texas Rangers after the civilian searchers showed them photos of a Pelican case on Google, Miller said.
Authorities dug directly under the burn pile but did not find Guillen’s body, Miller said. They did not search areas around the pile of burned evidence.
Miller said CID officials were uninterested in continuing to search near the pile because a dog trained to help find body parts, tissue, blood and bone walked right over it and did not alert handlers of any signs of human remains.
The dog walked to the Leon River bank and alerted its handlers that it smelled something, he said.
“They relied on that one dog, and instead of searching the area a little more, they were sure (Robinson) threw (Guillen) into the river,” Miller said.
Seattle1
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Vanessa Guillen’s family struggles for answers after soldier’s slaying
July 17, 2020
Army Criminal Investigation Command investigators sat down with the Guillen family the day of Robinson’s death and told them the 20-year-old soldier had killed Guillen because she had seen a photo of Aguilar on his phone, recognized her as a woman married to another Fort Hood soldier, and threatened to report his affair, according to Khawam.
The family does not accept the Army’s explanation for a motive.
“Immediately, Vanessa’s dad said, ‘That’s not something Vanessa would do,’” Khawam said. The Guillen sisters in unison agreed that the investigators’
explanation was wrong.
[..]
The Guillen family said Vanessa had told other soldiers at Fort Hood that she was being sexually harassed and eventually confided in her family, saying it was Robinson.
The Army has maintained that it has found no substantial evidence that Robinson was sexually harassing Guillen.
[..]
Vanessa enlisted in June 2018 and was working as a small arms/artillery repairer with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood. She never deployed overseas but was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (posthumously), the National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Robinson, who had been in the Army since 2017, worked in the same Regimental Engineer Squadron as Guillen.
[..]
Khawam said if Guillen again denied Robinson’s advances in the armory room on April 22, it could have led to her death. She said Robinson could have simply lied to his girlfriend as to why he killed Guillen.
“We believe Robinson could have made up that story to Aguilar because he needed help burying her body,” Khawam said. “He’s going to tell her, ‘Honey, I killed her for you because she was going to report us.’ He’s not going to say, ‘Honey, I was sexually harassing Vanessa again and killed her.’ ”
[..]
A criminal complaint filed against Aguilar accuses her of tampering with evidence, including Guillen’s body on April 23 and 26 to “impair its integrity and availability for use in an official proceeding.”
While the family believes Robinson killed Guillen, and the allegations that Aguilar helped bury her remains, Khawam said how Robinson killed Guillen, moved her body and cleaned up the crime scene — all while on a military post without an accomplice or being found out sooner — “does not make sense.”
[..]
The family says the Army told them that they never recovered Guillen’s cell phone and instead used phone records to read her last text message.
July 17, 2020
Army Criminal Investigation Command investigators sat down with the Guillen family the day of Robinson’s death and told them the 20-year-old soldier had killed Guillen because she had seen a photo of Aguilar on his phone, recognized her as a woman married to another Fort Hood soldier, and threatened to report his affair, according to Khawam.
The family does not accept the Army’s explanation for a motive.
“Immediately, Vanessa’s dad said, ‘That’s not something Vanessa would do,’” Khawam said. The Guillen sisters in unison agreed that the investigators’
explanation was wrong.
[..]
The Guillen family said Vanessa had told other soldiers at Fort Hood that she was being sexually harassed and eventually confided in her family, saying it was Robinson.
The Army has maintained that it has found no substantial evidence that Robinson was sexually harassing Guillen.
[..]
Vanessa enlisted in June 2018 and was working as a small arms/artillery repairer with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood. She never deployed overseas but was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (posthumously), the National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Robinson, who had been in the Army since 2017, worked in the same Regimental Engineer Squadron as Guillen.
[..]
Khawam said if Guillen again denied Robinson’s advances in the armory room on April 22, it could have led to her death. She said Robinson could have simply lied to his girlfriend as to why he killed Guillen.
“We believe Robinson could have made up that story to Aguilar because he needed help burying her body,” Khawam said. “He’s going to tell her, ‘Honey, I killed her for you because she was going to report us.’ He’s not going to say, ‘Honey, I was sexually harassing Vanessa again and killed her.’ ”
[..]
A criminal complaint filed against Aguilar accuses her of tampering with evidence, including Guillen’s body on April 23 and 26 to “impair its integrity and availability for use in an official proceeding.”
While the family believes Robinson killed Guillen, and the allegations that Aguilar helped bury her remains, Khawam said how Robinson killed Guillen, moved her body and cleaned up the crime scene — all while on a military post without an accomplice or being found out sooner — “does not make sense.”
[..]
The family says the Army told them that they never recovered Guillen’s cell phone and instead used phone records to read her last text message.
Seattle1
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July 16, 2020
#IAMVANESSAGUILLEN
'They failed her:' Family of Spc. Vanessa Guillen demands transparency from U.S. Army
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Killeen woman indicted in case Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen
July 14, 2020
In federal court in Waco on Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted a Killeen woman who is accused of helping a man cover up the homicide of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen earlier this year.
Through her lawyer, Cecily Anne Aguilar, 22, entered a plea of not guilty during the hearing on Tuesday, court officials said. She has been listed without bond in the McLennan County Jail since being transferred from the Bell County Jail.
Tuesday’s preliminary and detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas was the second routine hearing in Aguilar’s case.
“The federal grand jury indictment charges Aguilar with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence and two substantive counts of tampering with evidence. Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count upon conviction,” according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas.
According to media reports, a protest was held outside the courthouse in Waco in the hours before the hearing.
Aguilar’s case is being tried in federal court because the initial crime, the homicide of Guillen, is alleged to have occurred on Fort Hood property, “a special territorial jurisdiction for the federal government,” according to a criminal complaint signed by Manske on July 2.
[..]
No further court dates have been scheduled.
July 14, 2020
In federal court in Waco on Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted a Killeen woman who is accused of helping a man cover up the homicide of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen earlier this year.
Through her lawyer, Cecily Anne Aguilar, 22, entered a plea of not guilty during the hearing on Tuesday, court officials said. She has been listed without bond in the McLennan County Jail since being transferred from the Bell County Jail.
Tuesday’s preliminary and detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas was the second routine hearing in Aguilar’s case.
“The federal grand jury indictment charges Aguilar with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence and two substantive counts of tampering with evidence. Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count upon conviction,” according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas.
According to media reports, a protest was held outside the courthouse in Waco in the hours before the hearing.
Aguilar’s case is being tried in federal court because the initial crime, the homicide of Guillen, is alleged to have occurred on Fort Hood property, “a special territorial jurisdiction for the federal government,” according to a criminal complaint signed by Manske on July 2.
[..]
No further court dates have been scheduled.
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Fort Hood releases photos of Vanessa Guillen memorial ceremony
July 17, 2020
FORT HOOD — Several hundred people — family, friends and fellow soldiers — attended the 3rd Cavalry Regiment unit memorial ceremony July 17 in honor of Spc. Vanessa Guillen inside the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel at Fort Hood on Friday.
Lt. Col. Edward Gavin, commander Regimental Engineer Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, spoke at the unit memorial.
“This is difficult," Gavin said. "This is difficult to discuss because the tragedy of her loss has forever changed our squadron and it has forever changed her family. We wrestle with feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, fear, frustration and sadness. And, we have so many questions, some of which may never be answered.”
5 Photos at link above.
July 17, 2020
FORT HOOD — Several hundred people — family, friends and fellow soldiers — attended the 3rd Cavalry Regiment unit memorial ceremony July 17 in honor of Spc. Vanessa Guillen inside the Spirit of Fort Hood Chapel at Fort Hood on Friday.
Lt. Col. Edward Gavin, commander Regimental Engineer Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, spoke at the unit memorial.
“This is difficult," Gavin said. "This is difficult to discuss because the tragedy of her loss has forever changed our squadron and it has forever changed her family. We wrestle with feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, fear, frustration and sadness. And, we have so many questions, some of which may never be answered.”
5 Photos at link above.
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What We Know About the Death of Vanessa Guillen
Aug 14, 2020
Specialist Guillen’s case has captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures, and drawn particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. Specialist Guillen’s family has raised allegations that before she was killed she had been sexually harassed.
Activists have expressed outrage at the lack of answers and action from the military when Specialist Guillen first disappeared and have called for changes in how the military handles reports of sexual harassment and assault and ramping up the military’s own #MeToo moment.
[..]
Specialist Guillen was born and raised in Houston with five siblings. Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brother’s toy pistol. Despite her mother’s reservations, she decided to enlist at 18.
[..]
Prosecutors announced a charge in the case on July 2, detailing for the first time accusations that Specialist Guillen was killed by another soldier who then tried to dispose of her remains.
In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. A few days before the charge was announced, Specialist Robinson killed himself with a pistol as the police approached.
The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. Justice Department officials said in court documents that Specialist Robinson told Ms. Aguilar that he repeatedly struck Specialist Guillen on the head with a hammer, killing her, and hid her body in a large box. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint.
[..]
Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22 in the parking lot of her squadron’s headquarters at Fort Hood. Investigators who searched her phone found that the last person she texted was Specialist Robinson.
Specialist Robinson worked in a building at Fort Hood that was adjacent to where Specialist Guillen worked, according to Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Criminal Investigation Command. He was not Specialist Guillen’s superior and was not in her chain of command, Mr. Phelps said at a news conference.
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 Robinson later said he read her the serial numbers and gave her paperwork, according to court documents. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool.
[..]
A public memorial service for Specialist Guillen was held Aug. 14 in Houston, where her coffin, decorated with the Mexican and American flags, made a lap around her high school’s track and laid in the school’s auditorium for a service more than seven hours long.
Among other politicians and lawmakers who have conveyed their disappointment with the case is former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic nominee. “We owe it to those who put on the uniform, and to their families, to put an end to sexual harassment and assault in the military, and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said in a statement on July 3.
Aug 14, 2020
Specialist Guillen’s case has captured the attention of celebrities, lawmakers and other public figures, and drawn particular outrage from women in the military and Latinos. Specialist Guillen’s family has raised allegations that before she was killed she had been sexually harassed.
Activists have expressed outrage at the lack of answers and action from the military when Specialist Guillen first disappeared and have called for changes in how the military handles reports of sexual harassment and assault and ramping up the military’s own #MeToo moment.
[..]
Specialist Guillen was born and raised in Houston with five siblings. Her mother, Gloria Guillen, said she had an interest in the military since childhood, when she would play with her brother’s toy pistol. Despite her mother’s reservations, she decided to enlist at 18.
[..]
Prosecutors announced a charge in the case on July 2, detailing for the first time accusations that Specialist Guillen was killed by another soldier who then tried to dispose of her remains.
In a federal complaint, the accused soldier was identified as U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, 20. A few days before the charge was announced, Specialist Robinson killed himself with a pistol as the police approached.
The authorities also arrested his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, in Killeen, Texas. Justice Department officials said in court documents that Specialist Robinson told Ms. Aguilar that he repeatedly struck Specialist Guillen on the head with a hammer, killing her, and hid her body in a large box. The couple then tried to dismember and burn the remains, according to the complaint.
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Specialist Guillen was last seen around noon on April 22 in the parking lot of her squadron’s headquarters at Fort Hood. Investigators who searched her phone found that the last person she texted was Specialist Robinson.
Specialist Robinson worked in a building at Fort Hood that was adjacent to where Specialist Guillen worked, according to Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Criminal Investigation Command. He was not Specialist Guillen’s superior and was not in her chain of command, Mr. Phelps said at a news conference.
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 Robinson later said he read her the serial numbers and gave her paperwork, according to court documents. He said he believed she then left to go to the motor pool.
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A public memorial service for Specialist Guillen was held Aug. 14 in Houston, where her coffin, decorated with the Mexican and American flags, made a lap around her high school’s track and laid in the school’s auditorium for a service more than seven hours long.
Among other politicians and lawmakers who have conveyed their disappointment with the case is former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic nominee. “We owe it to those who put on the uniform, and to their families, to put an end to sexual harassment and assault in the military, and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said in a statement on July 3.
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Fort Hood commander is REMOVED from his post after deaths of soldiers at the army base | Daily Mail Online
Sept 1, 2020
The commander of Fort Hood has been removed from his post following the deaths of at least 15 soldiers connected to the troubled army base.
Major General Scott Efflandt has been removed from his position as commander of the base and will also no longer take on the role of commander of a division at Fort Bliss, the US Army announced in a statement Tuesday.
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The decision comes following a string of tragedies and deaths, including Vanessa Guillen, that have plagued the Texas Army base. Fifteen soldiers connected to Fort Hood have died this year alone, with foul play suspected in five of the deaths.
The commanding general of US Army Forces Command, Gen. Michael Garrett, has directed Maj. Gen. John Richardson IV to formally assume the role of acting commander at Fort Hood from Wednesday, the statement read.
Efflandt will stay on at Fort Hood for the time being, serving as deputy commanding general for support until the new commander is assigned to the role.
The army also announced that Garrett will appoint Gen. John Murray, commanding general of US Futures Command, to 'lead an in-depth investigation into the chain of command actions related to Spc. Vanessa Guillen.'
[..]
Sept 1, 2020
The commander of Fort Hood has been removed from his post following the deaths of at least 15 soldiers connected to the troubled army base.
Major General Scott Efflandt has been removed from his position as commander of the base and will also no longer take on the role of commander of a division at Fort Bliss, the US Army announced in a statement Tuesday.
[..]
The decision comes following a string of tragedies and deaths, including Vanessa Guillen, that have plagued the Texas Army base. Fifteen soldiers connected to Fort Hood have died this year alone, with foul play suspected in five of the deaths.
The commanding general of US Army Forces Command, Gen. Michael Garrett, has directed Maj. Gen. John Richardson IV to formally assume the role of acting commander at Fort Hood from Wednesday, the statement read.
Efflandt will stay on at Fort Hood for the time being, serving as deputy commanding general for support until the new commander is assigned to the role.
The army also announced that Garrett will appoint Gen. John Murray, commanding general of US Futures Command, to 'lead an in-depth investigation into the chain of command actions related to Spc. Vanessa Guillen.'
[..]
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Fort Hood commander is REMOVED from his post after deaths of soldiers at the army base | Daily Mail Online
Sept 1, 2020
Timeline of Fort Hood disappearances/deaths
February 1, 2020: PVT Eric Christopher Hogan and PFC Anthony Nevelle Peak Jr. die in a car crash
March 1, 2020: SPC Shelby Tyler Jones is shot dead at a convenience store in Killeen
March 5, 2020: Spc. Christopher Wayne Sawyer found dead at his home. Foul play is not suspected.
March 14, 2020: SPC Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr. is killed in a triple murder
March 23, 2020: Fort Hood soldier Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, 22, was charged with murder after allegedly shooting former Fort Hood soldier Michael Steven Wardrobe, 22
April 22, 2020: Vanessa Guillen goes missing and is last seen in the parking lot of the base. She disappeared after telling her family she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant on the base.
May 18, 2020: Body of Army Pfc. Brandon S. Rosecrans, 27, was discovered with gunshot wounds and his Jeep was found three miles away engulfed in flames.
June 19, 2020: Search teams discover the corpse of missing soldier Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales following a tip to Army base investigators. Remains were found in a field in Killeen, just over 10 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake, five miles from Fort Hood.
July 1, 2020: First parts of Giullen's remains found about 20 miles east of Fort Hood.
Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, kills himself. Officials say he killed and dismembered Guillén and had the remains disposed of.
July 17, 2020: Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida was found dead July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, around 15 miles from the Fort Hood base.
August 2, 2020: The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, is recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake following boating incident not far from where Morta was found.
August 12, 2020: Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Kentucky died after he was hit by a car as he was assisting a minor accident scene
August 13, 2020: National Guard soldier, Sgt Bradley Moore dies during a training exercise at the base
August 19, 2020: Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, is reported missing after he was last seen on August 17.
August 26, 2020: The body of Fernandes is believed to have been found about 30 miles from Fort Hood
Sept 1, 2020
Timeline of Fort Hood disappearances/deaths
February 1, 2020: PVT Eric Christopher Hogan and PFC Anthony Nevelle Peak Jr. die in a car crash
March 1, 2020: SPC Shelby Tyler Jones is shot dead at a convenience store in Killeen
March 5, 2020: Spc. Christopher Wayne Sawyer found dead at his home. Foul play is not suspected.
March 14, 2020: SPC Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr. is killed in a triple murder
March 23, 2020: Fort Hood soldier Spc. Jovino Jamel Roy, 22, was charged with murder after allegedly shooting former Fort Hood soldier Michael Steven Wardrobe, 22
April 22, 2020: Vanessa Guillen goes missing and is last seen in the parking lot of the base. She disappeared after telling her family she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant on the base.
May 18, 2020: Body of Army Pfc. Brandon S. Rosecrans, 27, was discovered with gunshot wounds and his Jeep was found three miles away engulfed in flames.
June 19, 2020: Search teams discover the corpse of missing soldier Pvt. Gregory Wedel-Morales following a tip to Army base investigators. Remains were found in a field in Killeen, just over 10 miles from Stillhouse Hollow Lake, five miles from Fort Hood.
July 1, 2020: First parts of Giullen's remains found about 20 miles east of Fort Hood.
Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, kills himself. Officials say he killed and dismembered Guillén and had the remains disposed of.
July 17, 2020: Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, of Pensacola, Florida was found dead July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, around 15 miles from the Fort Hood base.
August 2, 2020: The body of Spc. Francisco Gilberto Hernandezvargas, 24, is recovered from Stillhouse Hollow Lake following boating incident not far from where Morta was found.
August 12, 2020: Spc. Cole Jakob Aton, 22, of Kentucky died after he was hit by a car as he was assisting a minor accident scene
August 13, 2020: National Guard soldier, Sgt Bradley Moore dies during a training exercise at the base
August 19, 2020: Sgt. Elder Fernandes, 23, is reported missing after he was last seen on August 17.
August 26, 2020: The body of Fernandes is believed to have been found about 30 miles from Fort Hood
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Cecily Aguilar’s hearing, trial delayed | kcentv.com
Sept 15, 2020
FORT HOOD, Texas — The trial for Cecily Aguilar, the woman charged in connection to the death of Fort Hood soldier Spc. Vanessa Guillen was reset to start on November 30 at 9 a.m. The trial was originally set for September 28, according to
Rearraignment was set for November 10 at 9 a.m.
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The Guillen family and their attorney have held numerous rallies since the soldier's disappearance to demand justice for the soldier, transparency in her case and legislation in Spc. Guillen's name - which has garnered national attention.
Sept 15, 2020
FORT HOOD, Texas — The trial for Cecily Aguilar, the woman charged in connection to the death of Fort Hood soldier Spc. Vanessa Guillen was reset to start on November 30 at 9 a.m. The trial was originally set for September 28, according to
Rearraignment was set for November 10 at 9 a.m.
[..]
The Guillen family and their attorney have held numerous rallies since the soldier's disappearance to demand justice for the soldier, transparency in her case and legislation in Spc. Guillen's name - which has garnered national attention.