Days After Mo. Sergeant Was Found Slain in a Dumpster, a Fellow Soldier Is Accused of Murdering Her

A little more than a week after a U.S. Army sergeant was found dead in a dumpster at her Missouri base, authorities have charged a fellow soldier with murder in connection with the case.

Spc. Wooster Rancy, 21, was also charged with obstructing justice on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in connection with the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood officials said in a statement shared on Thursday, Oct. 31. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Officials believe Roque, 23, was killed on Oct. 20, per the statement. The Army said she was reported missing the next day after she did not show up for duty in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., PEOPLE previously reported. Her body was later found in a dumpster at the base, officials said.

On Oct. 24, Fort Leonard Wood officials announced that “a person of interest has been taken into custody in relation” to Roque’s death, which was being investigated as a homicide.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division previously told PEOPLE there are “limited” public details because it is still an active investigation.

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck said in a previous statement announcing Roque’s death. “Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.”  

Roque was from Ligonier, Ind., and later moved to Fort Leonard Wood, where she completed Basic Combat Training. The central Missouri military training installation trains nearly 80,000 people every year. 

As for Rancy, Army officials said he is from North Miami, Fla., and serves as a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion. He joined the Army in 2022 and attended basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood.

Officials said Rancy is being held in pretrial confinement and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.