A US Army sergeant was found dead in a dumpster in Missouri after she failed to report for duty earlier this week, and a person of interest is being investigated in connection with her murder.
The body of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, was found Monday evening, according to a statement from US Army Fort Leonard Wood.
Her remains were discovered in a dumpster near single-soldier housing, NPR reported.
An unnamed person of interest was taken into custody in connection with the killing on Thursday, officials said.
Roque was reported missing after she failed to report for duty on Monday morning, NBC News said.
Her death is being investigated as a homicide by the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division.
“As a commander and a leader, this is a tragedy,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck said at a press conference Thursday.
“This is something that we never want to happen, we never want for the family to have to endure, or for the unit to have to endure.
“Sarah not only served our country bravely and honorably as a soldier, she was also a daughter, a sister and a friend to many.”
Roque, of Ligonier, Ind., enlisted in 2020 and served as a mine dog handler, officials said.
In just four years, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.