A U.S. Army specialist, Wooster Rancy, 21, hailing from North Miami, Florida, faces murder charges following the discovery of Sergeant Sarah Roque’s body at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Rancy is also charged with obstruction of justice in relation to Roque’s untimely death.
Sergeant Roque, a 23-year-old mine-detecting dog handler from Ligonier, Indiana, was reported missing on October 21, 2024, after her absence from her unit’s morning formation. Her body was subsequently found in a dumpster near the single-soldier housing area on the military base.
Both Rancy and Roque were members of the 5th Engineer Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood. Rancy, a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, began his military service in 2022, undergoing his basic combat training at the same base. Military investigators are still probing the nature of the relationship between Rancy and Roque.
The commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, expressed his condolences during a press conference, stating that the incident has deeply impacted the base community. Beck described Roque as a dedicated and respected leader, emphasizing that such a tragic event is something no family or unit should ever experience.
Roque began her military career in 2020 and earned several military accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. She served in dual roles as a bridge crew member and mine dog handler.
The investigation into this case is being led by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement bodies. Charges were filed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice on Wednesday by military prosecutors. While prosecution could take place in Pulaski County, Missouri, where the fort is located, such a course of action is considered unusual.
The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel has asserted that there is no broader threat to base personnel or the local community. Rancy is currently in pretrial confinement, awaiting his preliminary hearing.
In memory of Roque, the governor of Indiana ordered that flags be flown at half-staff. The base command at Fort Leonard Wood is providing resources to support Roque’s family and fellow unit members.
Survived by her parents and three brothers, Roque was interred in her home state of Indiana on November 2.
