Soldier charged with murder of Sgt. Sarah Roque in Missouri

Just over 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.

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

Officials believe Roque, 23, was killed on Oct. 20, according to the statement. The Army said she was reported missing the next day after she failed to show up for duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., PEOPLE previously reported. Her body was later found in a dumpster on the base, officials said.

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

The Army Criminal Investigation Division previously told PEOPLE that 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 with courage and honor,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck said in an earlier statement announcing Roque’s death. “Her passing has left a tremendous void within our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those affected during this difficult time.”

Roque was from Ligonier, Indiana, and later moved to Fort Leonard Wood, where she completed basic combat training. The Central Military Training Installation in Missouri trains nearly 80,000 people annually.

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

Officials said Rancy is in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing.