The U.S. Army on Wednesday charged a soldier in the Missouri Ozarks with killing Sgt.

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel on Thursday charged Specialist Wooster Runcie, 21, of North Miami, Florida, with the murder of Sergeant Sarah Locke, 23, of Ligonier, Indiana. statement Information from Fort Leonard Wood Army Base has been released. Runcie is also charged with obstruction of justice. He was charged pursuant to Articles 118 and 131b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

army authorities declared Location went missing on October 21st found her dead next day and announced Arrests of VIPs October 24th. Fort Leonard Wood’s emergency department said Roque was last seen on the grounds of the Army base when she went missing.

Investigators found Roque’s body in a dumpster on the base, the Washington Post reported. reported. (Related: Army sergeant sentenced to life in prison for killing fellow soldier)

According to Fort Leonard Wood, Roque served with Runcie in the 5th Engineer Battalion. Mr. Roque joined the military in 2020, and Mr. Runcie joined the military in 2022.

As an Army expert, Runcie rank immediately below Roque – As a sergeant, he was a non-commissioned officer and held the rank of intermediate level.

It was not immediately clear whether any relationship existed between the defendant and the deceased.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, commander of MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood, said the base and its capability-building center, the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE), are “deeply saddened by this devastating loss.” said.

Beck told the Army he would like to express his “deepest condolences” to Roque’s loved ones and colleagues.

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a soldier who chose to serve her country bravely and honorably. Her death leaves a huge void throughout the team,” Fort Leonard Wood said. There are no words that can ease the pain caused by the pandemic, but we will continue to provide care, resources and support to those affected during this difficult time,” Beck continued. .

Roque, a bridge crew member and mine-sniffing dog operator, received medals and awards during his four years in the military, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Medal.

Runcie, a combat engineer, is being held in pretrial detention ahead of a preliminary hearing. The Army Criminal Investigation Service is investigating the incident. Officials will provide the latest information as it becomes available.