FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Formal charges have been filed against a U.S. Army specialist for his alleged role in the death of an Indiana sergeant who had been reported missing before she was found dead.
Wooster Rancy, 21, with the 5th Engineer Battalion, is facing charges of murder and obstruction of justice. He is currently being held in pretrial confinement awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, from Ligionier, Indiana, was initially reported missing by the U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood training installation in southern Missouri on Oct. 21.
Fort Leonard Wood announced she had been found dead in a dumpster on Oct. 22.
Roque was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion and was a bridge crewmember. She also served as a mine dog handler with the K-9 detachment. She enlisted in 2020 and attended basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood, officials said.
Ligionier is roughly 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne, in Noble County.
On Nov. 1, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced he was directing flags to be flown at half-staff in Noble County in honor and remembrance of Roque from sunrise until sunset Saturday, Nov. 2.
According to the U.S. Army, Rancy is originally from North Miami, Florida, and serves as a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion. the Army said Rancy joined in 2022 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.
During her time in the military, Roque was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general. "Her passing has caused a tremendous void throughout our team, and while there are no words to ease the pain, we continue to provide care, resources and support to those who are affected during this difficult time.”