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Army disciplines 21 at Fort Hood in probe of soldier's death

The Army said Friday that it has taken disciplinary action against 21 officers and non-commissioned officers at Fort Hood, Texas, in connection with death last year of Spc. Vanessa Guillén, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found. The punishments, which include firing eight senior commanders, are the latest Army moves in response to Guillén's disappearance and death, which brought to light widespread leadership failures at a base that had high rates of sexual assault, harassment, drug use and other problems.

news.yahoo.com

Suspect in Vanessa Guillen case asks judge to toss out confession

HOUSTON – Lawyers for Cecily Aguilar, the woman charged in connection with the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen, moved to suppress evidence that her confession was illegally obtained, according to court documents filed Wednesday. The defense stated that Aguilar’s statements on June 30, 2020, were made while she was not under arrest and was not Mirandized, according to court documents. Aguilar is charged with conspiracy to tamper with the body of Gullien, a Fort Hood soldier who was reported missing in April 2020. Aguilar went on to conduct several controlled calls to Robinson and told officers Robinson would try to escape or shoot himself before being taken into custody. According to Aguilar’s account, on April 22, Robinson killed Guillen by hitting her in the head with a hammer while at Fort Hood.

Army under fire from Congress over Fort Hood response

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON – Lawmakers expressed frustration Tuesday with how slowly improvements are being made to criminal investigation at Fort Hood, Texas, where rates of violent crime and sexual assaults are particularly high. More than two dozen Fort Hood soldiers died in 2020, including in multiple homicides and suicides. The review also concluded that the Army CID was understaffed, overwhelmed and filled with inexperienced investigators. Elder Fernandes, who was missing for more than a week last year before he was found dead about 28 miles from Fort Hood. AdAs a result of the independent review and other investigations, the Army earlier this year took action against 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at Fort Hood.

Army leaders fighting distrust from soldiers at Fort Hood

FORT HOOD, Texas – The skepticism in the rooms was palpable when U.S. Army leaders met with soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, in recent days, to check in on the embattled base, which has been stricken with violence and eroded morale over the past year. “I feel like leaders are just checking off boxes,” one male soldier said Thursday, as Army Sgt. Grinston, along with other Army leaders, met with dozens of soldiers. “The whole world is looking at Fort Hood, so they want to see you come here,” one female soldier said. He said the soldiers he met with told him: “Don’t stop getting to know your soldiers.

Congress vows to watch Army response to Fort Hood violence

Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy speaks about an investigation into Fort Hood, Texas at the Pentagon, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Washington. A day after Army officials released an independent panel's report on chronic leadership failures and widespread violence at Fort Hood, lawmakers said they will ensure the Army makes long-delayed changes. Elder Fernandes, who was missing for more than a week before he was found dead about 28 miles from Fort Hood. Army leaders concluded that leadership failures contributed to the widespread crime problems at Fort Hood. The five-member panel spent three weeks at Fort Hood and conducted more than 2,500 interviews, including 647 in person.

Here’s what leaders, organizations are saying after 14 soldiers were fired, suspended at Fort Hood

Texas leaders and organizations reacted after the Army fired or suspended 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at the Fort Hood base following a report of at least 25 Fort Hood soldiers who died from suicide, homicide or accidents, including the bludgeoning death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen. He also ordered a separate probe into staffing and procedures at the base’s Criminal Investigation Command unit, which is responsible for investigating crimes on Fort Hood. READ: 14 Fort Hood soldiers fired, suspended over violence at baseThe reactions follow:Sen. Ted Cruz released the following written response:“I’m deeply troubled by the findings published today about the command climate at Ft. The review concluded that CID at Fort Hood is not prepared to handle cases in general.

Army Punishes 14 Fort Hood Leaders, Says Climate On Base Permitted Sex Crimes And Violence – Houston Public Media

An independent investigation into a number of deaths at Fort Hood in recent months — including the murder of Spc. This year alone, Fort Hood has reported five soldier homicides, more than in the past four years combined, according to Army data. Finding #2: There Is Strong Evidence That Incidents Of Sexual Assault And Sexual Harassment At Fort Hood Are Significantly Underreported. Finding #9: The Command Climate At Fort Hood Has Been Permissive Of Sexual Harassment / Sexual Assault. The 136-page Report of the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee offers findings and recommendations intended to apply to both Fort Hood and the entire Army.

houstonpublicmedia.org

Defense spending bill named after Texas congressman passes U.S. House despite Trump’s veto threat

The National Defense Authorization Act is a massive annual bill that addresses spending within the armed forces and rarely encounters obstacles en route to passage. But this year, President Donald Trump threatened to veto the NDAA the day of the vote. “I hope House Republicans will vote against the very weak National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which I will VETO,” Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. The bill’s sponsor was Thornberry’s Democratic counterpart, House Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith of Washington, who named the legislation the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. “Doing it on the defense bill, airdropping it at the last minute, is not the right way.”Senior members in both chambers are warning the legislative delay could affect troops’ pay in the new year.

‘You deserve it’: Vanessa Guillen’s sister sounds off on Army firings at Fort Hood

““The toxic leadership -- thank God that those leaders at Fort Hood -- 14 of them -- were removed,” Lupe Guillen said. “If Mr. McCarthy actually watches this, I hope you actually endorse the ‘I am Vanessa Guillen’ (Act of 2020),” she said. We are not going to stop.”Read the “I am Vanessa Guillen Act of 2020.”Lupe Guillen said the act will “keep (her) sister’s legacy alive” and it will save lives. “It was widespread at Fort Hood, so things aren’t complete. Officials identified the two suspects tied to Fort Hood solider Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance on July 2.

14 Fort Hood soldiers fired, suspended over violence at base

He also ordered a separate probe into staffing and procedures at the base's Criminal Investigation Command unit, which is responsible for investigating crimes on Fort Hood. Mejhor Morta was found near a reservoir by Fort Hood. The five-member panel spent three weeks at Fort Hood and conducted more than 2,500 interviews, including 647 in person. They said they found a deep dissatisfaction with the sexual assault and harassment reporting and response program. Fort Hood, he said, has the highest rate of positive drug tests in the Army.

"Significant number" of U.S Army officers and soldiers at Fort Hood expected to be fired, AP reports

A memorial for Specialist Vanessa Guillén outside the Fort Hood U.S. Army post in Killeen. A “significant number” of U.S Army officers and soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas are expected to be fired in an effort to correct a years-long culture of sexual assault and a pattern of violence at the base, the Associated Press reported. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy is expected to remove soldiers from their jobs and trigger investigations that could lead to wider punishments, according to the AP. Guillén was the victim of sexual harassment, her sister said, but she didn’t report the sexual harassment out of fear of retaliation. Between 2014 and 2019, an average of 129 felonies were committed annually at Fort Hood, including murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.

Army to fire, suspend Fort Hood troops over violence at base

McCarthy and other senior Army leaders are expected to announce the results of the review on Tuesday. Officials say they expect that Army Lt. Gen. Pat White, the base commander, will not face any administrative action. Army leaders have already delayed Efflandt's planned transfer to Fort Bliss, where he was slated to take over leadership of the 1st Armored Division. In a recent video message on Twitter, McCarthy said he had reviewed the findings of the independent commission he sent to assess the command climate at Fort Hood. All together, so far this year, 25 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood have died due to suicide, homicide or accidents, compared with 32 last year and 24 in 2018.

14 fired or suspended following Fort Hood investigation into Vanessa Guillén's death

The investigation followed the death of Specialist Vanessa Guillén, who was bludgeoned to death at Fort Hood earlier this year. McCarthy named five civilians to be part of the review of the command climate and culture at the base and in the surrounding military community around Fort Hood. "I have determined the issues at Fort Hood are directly related to leadership failures," McCarthy said in announcing the firings. McCarthy said Guillén's murder "shocked our conscience and brought attention to deeper problems" at Fort Hood and across the Army more widely. On July 30, McCarthy directed the establishment of an Independent Review Committee to review the culture at Fort Hood.

cbsnews.com

Vanessa Guillen’s sister shares powerful message at southeast Houston prayer vigil

HOUSTON – Community members came together to honor murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen. On Thursday, Guillen’s family stood alongside community organizers outside a mural dedicated to Guillen at 7620 Gulf Freeway. But the most powerful voice of the evening was the voice that came from Vanessa Guillen’s 16-year-old sister Lupe Guillen. “I believe that if anyone would have spoken up for her, I believe I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Lupe Guillen said. However, Vanessa Guillen’s family said it has been seven months since their loved one’s death and there has been no one held accountable.

Fort Hood soldier facing murder charge in woman’s 2019 death; How DNA revived the case

KILLEEN, Texas – A Fort Hood soldier has been arrested in the death of a woman at a Texas hotel last year, authorities said Wednesday. NBC News reported Cory Grafton, 20, an active-duty soldier assigned to the Texas base, was arrested Tuesday. The Texas Rangers, which received a grant for DNA testing last year, approached police with the possibility of using the testing in the year-old case, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Police had also gotten a statement from one of Grafton’s co-workers who said he had confessed to the killing, the Department of Public Safety said. NBC News reported Grafton was being held in lieu of $1 million bail Wednesday night, according to online jail records.

Fort Hood: Regaining trust after string of homicides, assaults and suicides

KPRC 2 Investigates is looking into how Army leaders are trying to regain trust following a string of suicides, homicides and assaults. A new acting senior commander was appointed to Fort Hood and KPRC 2 investigator Robert Arnold conducted an exclusive sit-down interview with Maj. Gen. John Richardson. Not only is Richardson the new acting senior commander of Fort Hood, but he’s also the deputy commanding general of operations for III Corps. Every time they see a leader not enforce a standard, they’re noting that.”Multiple investigations are underway into exactly why Fort Hood experienced 129 felonies a year over five years. At the end of September, Richardson shut down the corps at Fort Hood for five days.

Fort Hood: The Army’s most dangerous post?

So far this year, nearly 30 service members connected to Fort Hood have died, including by homicide, suicide, accident and illness. Army leadership has admitted that Fort Hood has the worst rate of violent crime and incidents among its U.S. installations. Christopher Wayne SawyerSawyer, 29, was found unresponsive on March 5 in his residence on Fort Hood, according to a statement released by the post. Mejhor MortaMorta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, near Fort Hood. His body was discovered on Aug. 25 near railroad tracks in Temple, about 30 miles from Fort Hood.

4-star Army general meets with Vanessa Guillen’s family in Houston

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 Investigates has learned four-star general John Murray visited with the Guillen family Tuesday at their southeast Houston home. Vanessa Guillen, 20 and a Houston native, was last seen at Fort Hood on April 22. READ: Vanessa Guillen timeline: These are the dates to know about her caseArmy officials named the main suspect in Guillen’s disappearance as Spc. READ: Soldier’s estranged wife charged in connection with Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance, officials sayTuesday’s meeting comes more than six months after Guillen’s disappearance and as several investigations are underway into numerous problems uncovered at Fort Hood, including Guillen’s murder. In August, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy visited Fort Hood and apologized for failing Guillen and her family.

Spc. Vanessa Guillen’s death ruled ‘in the line of duty’

HOUSTON – The death of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen has been ruled “in the line of duty” after a military investigation into the case, according to a statement issued by the Army on Tuesday. Investigators said an Army specialist and killed and dismembered Guillen. The specialist killed himself as officers moved in on him. Cecily Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, is accused of helping the specialist dispose of Guillen’s body in some nearby woods.

'The military's #MeToo moment:' Fort Hood victims speak out

Members of Congress launched an investigation of Fort Hood in September after Sgt. Elder Fernandes was found dead on Aug. 25 hanging from a tree in Temple, Texas, months after reporting sexual harassment. A Fort Hood officer went with his wife to their apartment during one altercation after Buxton called for help. A Fort Hood spokesperson said they had no information on this allegation. “How many more must die at Fort Hood for them to be held accountable?” Lupe Guillen said.

5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Sept. 9

Here are things you need to know for Wednesday, Sept. 9:1. It declares that COVID-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in the State of Texas.Read more. According to data from Fort Hood officials, the 28 deaths include five homicides, as well as accidents, suicides, deaths related to illness, cases still under investigation and one combat-related death. Abbott on Twitter last week hinted to an announcement in the coming days regarding the States next steps. Occasionally, the normally yellow color of Saturns clouds will appear a pale blue due to the speed of these winds.

Congress investigates Fort Hood following 28 soldier deaths

AUSTIN, Texas Congress will launch an investigation into sexual assault, disappearances, deaths and the leaderships response at Fort Hood after 28 soldiers stationed at the U.S. Army base in Texas died this year, two subcommittee leaders announced Tuesday. According to data from Fort Hood officials, the 28 deaths include five homicides, as well as accidents, suicides, deaths related to illness, cases still under investigation and one combat-related death. Carlton L. Chee, 25, died on Sept. 2 after collapsing at the Texas base following physical training exercises on Aug. 28, according to Fort Hood officials. The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President also received information from the family of Spc. Miguel D. Yazzie, who died on July 3 at Fort Hood, according to a statement from Navajo leaders.

5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Sept. 2

Here are things you need to know for Wednesday, Sept. 2:1. Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt will no longer be in charge of Fort Hood and he wont be taking over as the commander of Fort Bliss, the military announced. He will remain at Fort Hood as the deputy commanding general for support. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAY:Taciturn: [ tas-i-turn ] (adjective) Inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation. QUOTE OF THE DAY:In nature there are few sharp lines. - A. R. AmmonsMore headlines you may be interested in

Fort Hood general loses post, denied transfer after incidents at Army base

FORT HOOD, Texas The Army denied the transfer of a Fort Hood general and removed him from his post Tuesday after recent incidents at the Texas base, including the death of a Houston soldier whose body was found months after she disappeared. Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt will no longer be in charge of Fort Hood and he wont be taking over as the commander of Fort Bliss, the military announced. He will remain at Fort Hood as the deputy commanding general for support. Vanessa Guillen was foundAccording to the Army, Maj. Gen. John Richardson IV will be the acting senior commander at Fort Hood until a new base commander is appointed. New Army investigation into Guillen caseThe Army also announced that a new in-depth investigation will be launched into the chain-of-command actions related to the Guillen case.

At least 9 Fort Hood soldiers found dead this year. Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus demands Congressional investigation

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Elder Fernandes was found Tuesday in Temple, about 30 miles from the base, roughly a week after he was reported missing. In May, Fernandes reported he had been a victim of sexual assault. Army officials said Wednesday that an investigation determined the inquiry was unsubstantiated and that Fernandes was made aware of the results, according to The Washington Post. The circumstances surrounding Guilln's death sparked protests across major cities in Texas, with demonstrators calling on the military to reform its investigations into sexual assault allegations.

Attorney: Missing Fort Hood soldier’s body found in Texas

Elder Fernandes, 23, was found late Tuesday in Temple, according to local police. Fernandes is the third soldier from Fort Hood to go missing in the past year. Natalie Khawam, who is representing the Fernandes family, said Army police told family members about the discovery late Tuesday night. U.S. Army officials confirmed Wednesday that initial identification points to the body found being Fernandes and said they were grieving with the Fernandes family. According to Isabel Fernandes, the family was told by Army officials that a different superior signed her nephew's hospital release.

5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, August 26

Here are things you need to know for Wednesday, August 26:1. Attorney: Missing Fort Hood soldiers body found in TexasThe body of a missing soldier is believed to have been found about 30 miles from Fort Hood, the Army base in Texas where he was stationed, police said Tuesday. Identification found with the body in Temple, Texas, indicates the man may be missing Fort Hood soldier Sgt. Fernandes is the third soldier from Fort Hood to go missing in the past year, and two have been found dead this summer. Tracking the tropics: Hurricane Laura becomes major Category 3 hurricane; expected to become Category 4As of 7 a.m., Laura had winds of 115 miles per hour and was moving northwest at 15 mph.

Search underway for Fort Hood Soldier from Houston missing for a week

Search underway for Fort Hood Soldier from Houston missing for a weekFort Hood officials and Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are asking for the publics assistance in locating 20-year old Pfc. Vanessa Guillen. Fort Hood officials and Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are asking for the publics assistance in locating 20-year old Pfc. Vanessa Guillen. An extensive search is underway by military and civilian law enforcement as well as Fort Hood military members.

chron.com

'He was my rock': Fallen hero's family gifted custom portrait after solider was killed in Afghanistan

James Johnston of Fort Hood was one of two soldiers killed in Afghanistan in June.On Thursday, James' wife and mother went to the Fallen Warriors Gallery in west Harris County to see a portrait of their loved one. He was my everything," James' wife Krista said. "James' portrait was painted by artist Ken Pidgeon, whose mission was to commit to canvas the likeness of those who gave their lives to service the nation. "As much strength and courage as he possessed, his wife and mother have their own. Rather than the tragedy of James never seeing the child he always wanted, Krista is calling it a blessing.

abc13.com

Family says UFO sighting near Fort Hood was bundle of balloons released after funeral

The bystander said it was unlike anything seen before, even after living in close proximity to the Army base. "I went to get my camera and took several pictures," the photographer writes. "I was surprised when I zoomed in and saw the details. "Fort Hood is the largest active-duty military base in the world. There are 35,577 assigned soldiers and 5,601 civilian employees at Fort Hood, according to its website.MUFON did not say what the object was, and is investigating the sighting.

abc13.com

Family says UFO sighting near Fort Hood was bundle of balloons released after funeral

The bystander said it was unlike anything seen before, even after living in close proximity to the Army base. "I went to get my camera and took several pictures," the photographer writes. "I was surprised when I zoomed in and saw the details. "Fort Hood is the largest active-duty military base in the world. There are 35,577 assigned soldiers and 5,601 civilian employees at Fort Hood, according to its website.MUFON did not say what the object was, and is investigating the sighting.

abc13.com

Strange 'flickering' object appears near Fort Hood military base in Killeen

KILLEEN, Texas (KTRK) -- We're getting our first look at something strange that reportedly appeared in the skies near the Fort Hood military base in Killeen.The person who took these photos was checking the mail when the object came into view, flickering in the sky, according to a report. "I went to get my camera and took several pictures," the photographer writes. "I was surprised when I zoomed in and saw the details. The bystander said it was unlike anything seen before, even after living in close proximity to the Army base.Fort Hood is the largest active-duty military base in the world. There are 35,577 assigned soldiers and 5,601 civilian employees at Fort Hood, according to its website.MUFON did not say what the object was, and is investigating the sighting.

abc13.com

On this day: November 5

2009: Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a 39-year-old U.S. Army psychiatrist of Palestinian descent, kills 13 and wounds 29 at Fort Hood, located just outside Killeen, Texas, in the deadliest mass shooting at a United States military installation. Hasan was shot and taken into custody by responding officers and is now paralyzed from the waist down. He was eventually convicted on 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder and sentenced to death. Hasan remains imprisoned at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas awaiting execution while his case is reviewed by appellate courts. Hide Caption

4/4: Army downplays mental illness as cause of attack; Hospital greeter finds purpose after cancer diagnosis

4/4: Army downplays mental illness as cause of attack; Hospital greeter finds purpose after cancer diagnosis Ivan Lopez, who opened fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, complained to military doctors that he suffered a traumatic brain injury, but investigators said they had yet to find evidence that backs up the claim; and, Steve Hartman meets Jon McAlpin, who works as a front-door greeter at an Omaha cancer center.

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