The Murder of Vanessa Guillen
Before I get into this post, I want to say that I’m a former military wife. My husband just got out of the Marine Corps in March. It angers and saddens me so much that there are so many disappearances and deaths in Fort Hood, and the military doesn’t seem to really care. I’ve tried talking to my husband about it, but he doesn’t want to say anything bad about the military- which I understand. However, I think something really shady is going on in Fort Hood and no one is doing anything about it.
This is the sign at Fort Hood.
Before we get into this case I’m going to identify the people involved. I’m going to start doing that in most of the cases.
Vanessa Guillen- Vanessa was from Houston, Texas and was 20 at the time of her death. She went from private first class to the rank of specialist. She is the victim in this case.
Vanessa
Aaron David Robinson- He was also 20 and from Chicago, Illinois. He sexually assaulted Vanessa and killed her then himself.
Cecily Aguilar- Cecily was 22 and was Aaron’s girlfriend. She was also the estranged wife of another soldier.
Cecily and Aaron- the murderers.
Vanessa was last seen on April 22, 2020 around 1pm. She was seen in the parking lot of her unit, Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters of the 3rd Calvary Regiment. Her car keys, ID, bank card and barracks keys were found where she worked.
Before she went missing, Vanessa told her family that she was being sexually harassed by a sergant. She never named him. She also told her family that other females tried to report him as well, but each time it was dismissed.
Her case was investigated under the jurisdiction of the U.S Army Criminal Investigation Command, FBI, Killeen/Belton Police Departments, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Marshal Service and Texas Rangers.
On June 13, 2020 there was a protest at Fort Hood to protest because people felt like nothing was being done about this case (which I agree at first, there wasn’t). Investigators did believe there was foul play, but they didn't believe there was evidence that Vanessa was assaulted.
Discovery of Vanessa’s remains:
On June 30, 2020 some contractors discovered human remains by the Leon River. Investigators and cadaver dogs had searched that area a few days before and found nothing. It’s stated that they believe her remains were dug up by wildlife.
At 8:30pm the same night, they interviewed Cecily Aguilar again. They questioned her about her boyfriend Aaron Robinson, he was the last person to see Vanessa before she disappeared. Cecily told police that Aaron told her he killed a female soldier. Police also told Cecily to call Aaron. She said “baby they found pieces,” and also texted him articles about the case and he never responded.
Cecily said she helped Aaron dismember and dispose of Vanessa’s body on the same day she went missing, April 22, 2020. Aaron had hit Vanessa with a hammer inside the Armory where they worked.
Arrests:
After hearing the news, the Soldiers were confined to their barracks. On July 1, 2020 when police tried to contact Aaron Robinson, he killed himself with a handgun before they could take him into custody.
Cecily Aguilar was arrested and held at the Bell County Jail.
Memorial for Vanessa:
On July 6, 2020 at the City Hall in Richmond, California, they had a memorial of candles that spelled out Vanessa. Hundreds of people were there to honor her and other victims of sexual assault and mistreatment of the military.
Other:
On July 10, 2020 Vanessa’s family called for justice at how we should be improving sexual harassment handled by the military.
There have also been other disappearances and deaths at Fort Hood this year. I’m going to list their names because it’s so tragic:
Mejhor Morta- He was found unresponsive on July 17 and his autopsy showed he died from drowning.
Gregory Scott Morales- His remains were found in a field on June 19th, 10 months after he went missing. Foul play is being investigated.
Brandon Scott Rosecrans- He was found on May 18th, with a gun shot wound. His jeep was also found burned and they are investigating it as arson.
Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr.- He died March 14th, along with 2 others at an apartment complex. It’s being investigated as a triple homicide.
Christopher Wayne Sawyer- He was found unresponsive in his home on March 5th. They aren’t suspecting foul play, but aren’t ruling it out.
Shelby Tyler Jones- Died on March 1st from a gunshot wound. He was first shot at a club before dying at a convenience store.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Vanessa_Guillén
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/25/us/fort-hood-soldier-deaths-trnd/index.html
FINAL THOUGHTS:
