FORT HOOD

The Army Criminal Investigation Division and the chain of command are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Pvt. Ana Basalduaruiz.

Cecily Aguilar has pleaded guilty in connection to the 2020 murder of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen, according to Guillen attorney, Natalie Khawam.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin accepted the Naming Commission’s change and announced it would take place by Jan. 1, 2024.

The popular streaming service Netflix has announced an anticipated film depicting the life and tragic death of U.S. Army Soldier Vanessa Guillen while she was stationed at Fort Hood back in 2020.

The family of a slain Texas soldier has filed a lawsuit seeking $35 million in damages from the U.S. government.

The Army’s largest active-duty armored post is named after Gen. John Bell Hood. A commission has recommended naming it for Gen. Richard Cavazos, a native Texan.

In support of allies and partners in Europe, 160 soldiers from Fort Hood have been deployed to Europe as part of a NATO response force.

Here are things to know for Thursday, Dec. 30:

On Monday, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act, enacting provisions of the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act.” The new law takes effect Jan. 1.

The Army has begun hiring more agents and support staff for its criminal investigations, as the new civilian director works to correct widespread failures that surfaced last year after a string of murders and other crimes at Fort Hood, Texas.

The soldier who went missing from Fort Hood on Thursday has now been found safe, officials confirmed Sunday.

U.S. Army officials have unveiled a new resource and training center at Fort Hood that aims to create a more supportive culture following reports of murder, suicide and sexual assault at the embattled Texas military installation.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are now accepting applications for game wardens.

Vanessa Guillen’s family and their attorney Natalie Khawam held a news conference after meeting with military officials to discuss their loved one’s murder investigation and accountability in the case.

A judge has denied a request to suppress the confession of a woman accused of helping kill and dismember Spc. Vanessa Guillén, who was missing for about two months before her remains were found.

A new study finds that female soldiers at Army bases in Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Kentucky face a greater risk of sexual assault and harassment than those at other posts, accounting for more than a third of all active duty Army women sexually assaulted in 2018.

A new study finds that female soldiers at Army bases in Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Kentucky face a greater risk of sexual assault and harassment than those at other posts, accounting for more than a third of all active duty Army women sexually assaulted in 2018.

A federal bill was recently reintroduced, proposing sweeping changes to the way the military investigates sexual assault and harassment allegations. Texas lawmakers are urging Congress to make it law.

Houston Memorial will host a candlelight vigil for fallen Fort Hood Soldier Vanessa Guillen Friday evening.

The Army is putting a civilian in charge of its criminal investigations, adding staff and freeing up more agents to work on cases, in a plan to address widespread failures that surfaced last year after a string of murders and other crimes at Fort Hood, Texas.

The Army is putting a civilian in charge of its criminal investigations, adding staff and freeing up more agents to work on cases, in a plan to address widespread failures that surfaced last year after a string of murders and other crimes at Fort Hood, Texas.

U.S. officials say the Army plans to put a civilian in charge of the command that conducts criminal investigations, in response to widespread criticism that the unit is understaffed, overwhelmed and filled with inexperienced investigators.

The U.S. Army confirmed that Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen, who authorities say was killed by a fellow soldier last year, had previously been sexually harassed by a supervisor but unit leadership took no action, according to an Army report released Friday.

New details have risen in the Vanessa Guillen murder case. It’s been more than a year since the Houston soldier disappeared from Fort Hood and her body was found two months later.

One year to the day Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen was killed, about 100 people gathered at a mural in southeast Houston to remember her.

The attorney for the family of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen held a news conference Thursday with the family to mark the day last year that authorities believe Spec. Vanessa Guillen was killed last year.

Legislation aimed at honoring a Houston soldier who was killed while stationed at Fort Hood is being introduced by state lawmakers Tuesday.

A gate at Fort Hood was named in honor of a Houston soldier Monday who was killed while stationed at the military installation.

Family and supporters of Vanessa Guillen are hosting a week of events in her honor, her sister Mayra Guillen announced on social media.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

““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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

(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.

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.

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.

Elder Fernandes, 23, was found late Tuesday in Temple, according to local police. Natalie Khawam, who is representing the Fernandes family, said Army police told family members about the discovery late Tuesday night. Fort Hood officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. Army officials confirmed in a statement that Elder Fernandes reported an incident of abusive sexual contact and that investigation is ongoing. According to Isabel Fernandes, the family was told by Army officials that a different superior signed her nephew's hospital release.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The U.S. Army is asking for the public’s help in a search for another missing soldier in Texas. Fort Hood officials issued a missing soldier alert Thursday night for Sgt. Gregory Morales, 24, a Fort Hood soldier who was reported missing on Aug. 20, 2019. Vanessa Guillén, 20, a Fort Hood soldier who had been missing since April. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy has commented that Fort Hood has one of the highest rates of murder, sexual assault and harassment in the Army.

FORT HOOD, Texas – A fifth soldier in about three months has died at Fort Hood, according to authorities. “The military is a family, and the entire Texas National Guard mourns with Sgt. The entire Texas Military Department mourns... Posted by Texas Military Department on Saturday, August 15, 2020Moore’s cause of death has yet to be determined and an investigation is now underway. This marks the fifth death at the Fort Hood base. In late June, skeletal remains were found in a field near Fort Hood.

Vanessa Guillen is finally being laid to rest. Family and friends of the fallen soldier have taken to social media to share their thoughts ahead of Friday’s public memorial service. 😔 praying for the right things to say today, the strength to endure whatever comes our way. — Ash (@11MaciasA) August 14, 2020I pray for strength today. Vanessa Guillen today]The Guillen family will also speak during the service.

HOUSTON Houston paid tribute to Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen in a memorial service Friday. Public events honoring Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen started at 10:50 a.m., according to a schedule posted on social media. At 10:50 a.m., there was a Veterans Memorial cruise that went on until noon. At noon, the open memorial service began at the Cesar E. Chavez High School Auditorium. Here are some of the moments from her service.

KILLEEN, Texas (AP) Central Texas authorities say theyve cracked a child prostitution ring involving nine men, including three soldiers. Two Fort Hood soldiers and one from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio are among the nine suspects netted in their investigation, Killeen police said. Seven suspects, including the Fort Hood soldiers, were arrested on felony child prostitution charges. The other two, including the Fort Sam Houston soldier, were charged with misdemeanor prostitution. Meantime, the planned transfer of the Fort Hood commander to Fort Bliss to assume command of a division has been postponed.

HOUSTON Mourners will gather Friday in Houston to honor the life of a slain Texas soldier whose story has renewed a push for changes in the way the military handles sexual abuse and harassment from Fort Hood to Capitol Hill. Vannessa Guillen's family scheduled the memorial for noon to 8 p.m. at Cesar E. Chavez High School, on a field where Guillen once played soccer as a high school athlete. Guillen disappeared from Fort Hood, where she was stationed, on April 22, and Army officials confirmed July 6 that her remains had been found. Guillens family has said she was sexually harassed by the fellow solider suspected of killing her, but the Army has said there is no evidence of that. Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy ordered an independent review of the command climate at Fort Hood following Guillen's slaying.

HOUSTON Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen will be remembered on Friday during a public memorial at Houstons Chavez High School, the same school she graduated from in 2018. A public viewing is scheduled to begin at noon followed by the rosary at 6 p.m.I just want the community to get together and honor who she was, said Ashley Macias, a friend of Vanessa who plans to attend the memorial. The two met at Chavez during soccer tryouts. Vanessa Guillen to be laid to rest in customized casket this weekendShe was actually always really positive, Macias said. The Guillen family believes she faced sexual harassment in the military and has called for a Congressional investigation.

WACO, Texas The trial of a woman charged in connection with the death of Army Spc. Cecily Ann Aguilar, 22, was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence after she told authorities her estranged husband, Aaron Robinson, 20, asked her to help dispose of Guillens body. According to Aguilar, Robinson killed Guillen by striking her in the head with a hammer while on Ft. Court documents showed that Aguilar entered a not guilty plea and is set to appear before a judge on Sept. 28 following jury selection. The legal teams have until Sept. 14 to enter a plea bargain, and should a plea bargain be entered, re-arraignment held on Sept. 22, according to court documents.

Vanessa Guillen will be laid to rest in a customized casket donated by a Houston-area company during her funeral service this weekend. Vanessas sister, Mayra Guillen, shared a video of the enclosed casket on her Twitter account, designed and donated by Soulshine Industries, the same company that donated a customized casket for 4-year-old Maleah Davis. @vguillen_30 pic.twitter.com/k4C41YNLD6 Mayra Guillen (@mguilen_) August 11, 2020The casket is covered with red roses and a rosary on top, designed with a semi-dark green color along with Vanessa Guillen written in red. Soulshine Industries said on their Facebook page that they were honored to be apart of Vanessa Guillens life.A public memorial service for Spc. Vanessa Guillen is scheduled to take place Friday at Chavez High School on Howard Drive from noon to 8 p.m., with a private burial taking place on Saturday.

HOUSTON Houston rapper and activist Trae Tha Truth raised $30,000 for slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillens family ahead of her funeral set for this weekend. Trae, whose real name is Frazier Othel Thompson III, said he wanted to help the family during their time of mourning. Thompson met with the Guillen family Wednesday and surprised them with a check. After months of searching, her remains were found in a shallow grave near the Leon River near Fort Hood in late June. Guillens family and supporters have pushed for an independent investigation of the base and for reforms to the process of reporting sexual abuse and harassment in the military.

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas – A Central Texas man has been charged with murder in the slaying of a Fort Hood soldier whose body was found beside a road four miles from where his burned sport utility vehicle was found. Brandon Michael Olivares, 28, of Killeen, was already booked into the Bell County Jail in Belton on an unrelated charge when he was charged Wednesday with murdering Pfc. His bond is set at $1 million, and jail records do not list an attorney for the man. A police affidavit says he and Rosecrans were riding in Rosecran’s SUV when Olivares shot the soldier and left his body beside a secluded road near Stillhouse Hollow Lake in Harker Heights, about 11 miles from Fort Hood. Court records do not list a motive for the slaying.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy held a news conference Thursday in Fort Hood to discuss the death of Spc. In late June, skeletal remains were found in a field near Fort Hood. According to a federal complaint, the 20-year-old was killed and dismembered at the base by a fellow Fort Hood soldier who later shot himself. Guillen’s death served as a catalyst, bringing to light the many issues within the military such as sexual harassment and sexual assault. In addition, the Army is rolling out “Project Inclusion,” which will address behaviors and issues such as a lack of diversity, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault and suicide.

BELTON, Texas – U.S. Army officials said Tuesday that a Fort Hood soldier drowned at the same lake near the Texas base where another soldier's body was found last month. Fort Hood officials say they are cooperating with local authorities. Hernandezvargas is at least the fourth Fort Hood soldier whose body has been found in recent months. According to a federal complaint, the 20-year-old was bludgeoned to death at the base by a fellow Fort Hood soldier who later killed himself. Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy on July 10 ordered a review of the command climate at Fort Hood.

HOUSTON Friends and family of Houston army specialist Vanessa Guillen remain hopeful that theyll see justice and systemic change for what they call, a history of military cover-ups. Guillen, 20, was killed at Fort Hood at the hands of an accused fellow soldier. Just one day after her family met with President Donald Trump, Guillens friends spoke with KPRC 2 about the movement. Guillens friends and her family rallied for Congress to investigate Guillens death at Fort Hood, then marched for justice proved a walk to the Oval Office. Guillens mother, sisters and attorney spoke to Trump about the I am Vanessa Guillen bill, which they hope will end what they say is a culture of cover-ups in the military, including at Fort Hood.

WASHINGTON The attorney for the family of murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen joined Members of Congress and the Guillen family to demand justice by introducing the #IAmVanessaGuillen Bill. Guillens mother spoke before the march:If passed, the bill will allow active duty service members to file sexual harassment and assault claims to a third-party agency instead of their chain of command. When someone volunteers to serve our country, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect by their fellow service members. This bill will help us provide the protection and respect to others that was denied to Vanessa.Guillens family is also scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump. Following the meeting, Khawam gave a news conference to talk about the bill.

FORT HOOD, Texas The Secretary of the Army announced Thursday the five civilian experts will lead an independent review of Fort Hood. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the climate and culture at Fort Hood and surrounding military community reflect the Armys values, including safety, respect, inclusiveness, and a commitment to diversity, and workplaces and communities free from sexual harassment, a release said. The panel is expected to review historical data and conduct interviews with military members, civilians and members of the local community. Thank you to the members of the panel who have agreed to take time from their lives to support our independent review, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy said. The Army is committed to taking care of our soldiers, civilians, families, and soldiers for life, and this independent review will explore the current command climate and culture at Fort Hood.Its an honor for me to support our men and women, our sons and daughters in uniform, to ensure they live and work in environments where they feel safe and respected, Swecker, the panel lead, said.

Vanessa Guillen, meets with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Washington. The truth will come out whether they like it or not, said Lupe Guillen, the younger sister of Vanessa Guillen, said ahead of the meeting with the president. John Wittman, a spokesperson for Abbott, said the governors office has not heard from the Guillen family but is prepared to help. Governor Abbott's heart aches for the Guillen family and he and the First Lady keep them in their prayers, Wittman said in a text message. And if I can help you out with the funeral, Ill help you out, financially, Ill help you, Trump said.

Here are things you need to know for Thursday, July 23:1. Mejhor Morta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, according to Fort Hood officials. Then on July 1, U.S. Army officials found more human remains, which were later identified as 20-year-old missing Fort Hood soldier Pfc. Former Fort Bend County sheriffs deputy charged in death of deputy constableA former Fort Bend County sheriffs deputy has been charged with criminal negligent homicide in the shooting death of a 37-year-old deputy constable in the Sienna Plantation area of Missouri City in May. 3 things to shareWORD OF THE DAYHebetate [heb-i-teyt] (verb) (used with object) to make dull or blunt.

HOUSTON Houston Rapper Trae Tha Truth is working to help the family of slain Fort Hood soldier and Houston-native Vanessa Guillen, by selling shirts and masks. All proceeds from the rappers Mexican-themed ABN clothing will go towards assisting and supporting Guillens family. The rapper previewed the shirts on his Instagram while standing in front of a mural of Vanessa Guillen in Houston. If you would like to support or donate, click here.

AUSTIN, Texas U.S. Army officials on Tuesday said that the body of a Fort Hood solider was found near the Texas army base, marking the third time in a month that a Fort Hood soldiers body has been discovered. Mejhor Morta, 26, was found unresponsive July 17 in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, according to Fort Hood officials. Morta's awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Then on July 1, U.S. Army officials found more human remains, which were later identified as 20-year-old missing Fort Hood soldier Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, near the Leon River in Bell County, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Fort Hood.

TEXAS It was an emotional day for friends, family and colleagues of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen. On Friday, a memorial service was held where Guillen received her full military honors. Near the base, a massive memorial dedicated to Guillen continued to grow. Its been almost three months, said Vanessas sister, Lupe Guillen. The Guillen family said they will also continue to push for the I am Vanessa Guillen bill to be passed, which is set to be introduced to Congress on July 30.

Investigators told the court there was probable cause to believe the couple committed crimes including wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering. He told the Fort Hood Sentinel that he was first drawn to the initiative by the chance to save on gas. Starting around 2014, according to the affidavit, Pelayo registered soldiers around the country for subsidies of $255 or $265 a month. Several enrolled soldiers said they had never ridden in the van pool and investigators found that many were not even at Fort Hood. A Fort Hood spokesman declined to answer questions, saying he'd defer to those agencies' statements.

HOUSTON The family of Houston-native Vanessa Guillen, the Fort Hood soldier whose remains were found near the Leon River months after she went missing, will meet with President Donald Trump. According to the familys attorney Natalie Khawam, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows contacted her to thank her for the work she has been doing for Guillens family. Meadows told Khawam that Trump invited her and the Guillen family for a private meeting with him, Khawam said. Guillen went missing from Fort Hood in April, and is believed to have been killed by another soldier. Click here to see more of Click2Houston.coms coverage of Vanessa Guillen.

AUSTIN, Texas A 22-year-old woman accused of helping hide the body of a slain Texas soldier pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges related to the crime. Cecily Aguilar of Killeen, near Fort Hood, entered the pleas Tuesday in federal court in Waco to three conspiracy charges in the death of Army Spc. Vanessa Guilln, 20. A judge denied bond for Aguilar and she will remain in the Bell County Jail in Belton, Texas, while awaiting trial, KCEN TV reports. She said they will continue to build a whistleblower case for the slain soldier and asked anyone with information on Aguilar to come forward.

HOUSTON – Community leaders and members held events Saturday to honor the life of a beloved soldier, Vanessa Guillen, who was found murdered at the Fort Hood base. Fundraiser for Guillen’s FamilyThe Guillen family’s barbecue fundraiser in southeast Houston marked the start of a full day of events to remember beloved Army specialist, Guillen. The motorcycles, trucks and cars cruised through Houston’s historic east side and ended at the Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd. Many chanted Vanessa Guillen’s name. Hundreds in masks packed the back parking lot of Taqueria Del Sol on Park Place Blvd in Southeast Houston.

Vanessa Guillen, who investigators say was bludgeoned to death at Fort Hood by a fellow soldier. That day, Robinson was identified as a person of concern based on information that he provided investigators during his interview, Army officials said. The Army says the gun Robinson used was not issued by Fort Hood, but it's unclear where he got it. Army officials said 52 agents from multiple military and civilian law enforcement agencies have conducted more than 300 interviews investigating Guillen's killing. That has lasted for more than 170 days, and Army officials say that has led to forensic examinations of more than 50 phones.

Vanessa Guillen, who investigators say was bludgeoned to death at Fort Hood by a fellow soldier. Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, Texas, near Fort Hood, is currently in custody at the Bell County Jail. The Army says the gun Robinson used was not issued by Fort Hood, but it's unclear where he got it. Army officials said 52 agents from multiple military and civilian law enforcement agencies have conducted more than 300 interviews investigating Guillen's killing. That has lasted for more than 170 days, and Army officials say that has led to forensic examinations of more than 50 phones.

HOUSTON Murals featuring fallen Fort Hood soldier, Vanessa Guillen, are being painted across the state in the days since the U.S. Army confirmed that the human remains found near the Leon River in Bell County on June 30 were indeed hers. Many of the murals bear her image and are reminiscent of the hashtags #Justice4Vanessa, #justiceforvanessaguillen #iamvanessaguillen and #vanessaguillen -- trending since she went missing on April 22. HoustonGalvestonKilleenDonnaFort WorthSan JuanWeslacoFresno, TexasAustinCecily Aguilar, 22, is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the 20-year-old soldiers disappearance. She told investigators her estranged husband, soldier Aaron Robinson killed Guillen with a hammer on April 22 and asked her to help him dispose of the body. Robinson died last week from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

WACO, Texas – The woman arrested in connection with the disappearance of Fort. Hood soldier, Vanessa Guillen is expected to appear in court Monday. Aaron Robinson, who is believed to have killed Guillen reportedly asked his estranged wife, Aguilar, for help dismembering and attempting to burn Guillen’s body, officials said. According to Aguilar, Robinson killed Guillen “by striking her in the head with a hammer while on Ft. “She was very bold minded.”Aguilar is set to remain in custody after her court appearance.

Here are things you need to know for Monday, July 6:1. Vanessa Guilln and Army officials informed her family in Houston Sunday, attorney Natalie Khawam told The Associated Press. Through this partnership, students have access to digital books in English and Spanish on the myON by Renaissance platform. But the unions board of player representatives voted Thursday to ask the league to cancel the entire preseason schedule. QUOTE OF THE DAYDont forget to love yourself. - Soren KierkegaardMore headlines you may be interested in

HOUSTON Dozens of people remembered Vanessa Guillen during a vigil on Sunday night in front of a new mural in southeast Houston. Hernandez said she played soccer with Guillen at Chavez High School. I remember every day coming after school, she was always the first one out there running, said Hernandez. Carina Briseno said she played soccer with Guillen as well. We need change and we need justice, Briseno said.

July 2, 2020, Mark Lambie/El Paso Times via REUTERSEl Pasoans held a vigil recently for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times via REUTERSProtesters marched and held a vigil for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln at the state Capitol on Sunday. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneProtesters marched and held a vigil for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln at the state Capitol on July 5, 2020. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneProtesters marched and held a vigil for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln at the state Capitol on July 5, 2020. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneA group of protesters gathered at the state Capitol for a vigil in honor of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guilln.

HOUSTON Fort Hood officials are expected to announce new updates in the disappearance and death of Houston-native soldier Vanessa Guillen Monday. Guillens remains were found last week near Leon River in Bell County and were positively identified as the missing soldier Sunday. Cecily Aguilar, 22, is accused of tampering with evidence in connection with the 20-year-old soldiers disappearance. Troubling reality'The updates from Fort Hood officials come as Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and 87 other members of Congress sent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding an independent investigation into Fort Hoods handling of Guillens case. In SPC Guillens case, the U.S. Army failed both Vanessa and her family, said Congresswoman Garcia.

HOUSTON – Hundreds of people marched from Discovery Green to Houston’s city hall in honor of 20-year-old Vanessa Guillen. The Houston native, who was missing since April, is believed to have been bludgeoned to death on the Fort Hood army base in Kileen. Lupe Guillen, Vanessa’s sister, choked back tears as she addressed the large crowd. Other protesters, like Yvette Villegas, were at the event demanding those responsible for Guillen’s death be held accountable. “I don’t think any woman or anybody should have to go through this whether she’s in uniform or not,” Villegas said.

DALLAS Army investigators have identified the body of a soldier who vanished more than two months ago from a base in Texas, according to a lawyer for the soldiers family. Remains found last week buried near Fort Hood belong to Spc. Vanessa Guilln and Army officials informed her family in Houston Sunday, attorney Natalie Khawam told The Associated Press. Guilln, who had been missing since April, was killed and dismembered by a fellow soldier who took his own life last week, federal and military investigators have said. Army officials identified the soldier suspected in Guillns disappearance as Aaron David Robinson.

HOUSTON A protest will be held to demand accountability and justice for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen in College Station. A Change.org petition is also making viral rounds on Friday, calling for President Donald Trump to have all flags at half-staff in honor of Fort Hood soldier and Houston native Vanessa Guillen, missing since April. The petition, created by James Vaughan Thursday evening, has a goal of 5,000 signatures. The tragic and untimely death of SPC Vanessa Guillen saddens the local community and the nation, the petitions description reads, Lets ask President Trump to order the U.S. Flag to half-staff to honor an American soldier who should not have had her life ended so abruptly.Guillen was promoted to Specialist on Thursday to honor her service with the U.S. Army.

FORT HOOD, Texas Vanessa Guillen, the Fort Hood soldier from Houston who has been missing since April, received a promotion due to her time in service, according to the U.S. Army. In a news release, the Army said that Guillen was promoted to specialist, effective Wednesday. The remains have yet to be identified, but Guillens family said they believe they belong to her. According to the Army, another suspect in the case is the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood soldier, who is in custody and awaiting charges. There will be a 2 p.m. news conference to address the current status of the investigation.

Fort Hood senior commander will host a press conference to address the current status of the Spc. Vanessa Guillen investigation. At 2 p.m., Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt, III Corps deputy commanding general, will be joined by Fort Hoods U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and representatives from law enforcement agencies who are assisting with the investigation. This is a developing story.

Vanessa Guillen, who is assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, was last seen on April 22 in the parking lot of her regimental engineer squadron headquarters. Speaking in Washington, Guillen’s family said they believe those remains are hers. Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Wednesday, July 1, 2020“Everything points to it,” said Mayra Guillen, Vanessa Guillen’s sister. Lupe Guillen, Vanessa Guillen’s other sister, said her sister did not deserve to be treated this way while serving her country. Lupe Guillen accused leaders at Fort Hood of dismissing sexual harassment and sexual assault claims as a joke.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Police said a person wanted in connection to the disappearance of Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday morning. Police said on Tuesday, they were told that a person of interest in the disappearance of Guillen had left the base and was inside the city of Killeen. Police said the suspect was an active-duty soldier whose name is being withheld at this time. Posted by Killeen Police Department on Wednesday, July 1, 2020According to the United States Army, another suspect in the case is the estranged wife of a former Fort Hood soldier and is currently in custody in the Bell County Jail awaiting charges by authorities. Vanessa Guillen,” said Chris Grey, the spokesman for Army CID.

Here are things you need to know for Wednesday, July 1:1. Texas hits new daily case high with almost 7,000 coronavirus cases Tuesday; 75K cases reported in last 3 weeksThere were 6,975 new coronavirus cases reported in Texas as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, which is a new high for cases reported in a single day in the state. Data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services shows that between June 8 and June 29, there have been 75,000 new cases reported in the state. Suspect wanted in connection to Fort Hood criminal investigation kills himself: Killeen PDPolice said a person wanted in connection to a Fort Hood criminal case died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday morning. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, assisted investigators with the Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division in one of their criminal cases.

FORT HOOD, Texas Human remains have been found during the search for a missing Fort Hood soldier who is from Houston. Vanessa Guillen, 20, found what are being described as partial human remains near the Leon River in Bell County. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) met with base officials last week and said military investigators believed foul play was involved in Guillens disappearance. Base officials said June 18 that they were launching an investigation into allegations that Guillen was sexually harassed before her disappearance. Guillens family had planned to be in Washington on Wednesday to call for action in the search.

Texas EquuSearch will focus on an undisclosed patch of rural property in Bell County Saturday. The group is searching for Houstonian and soldier, Vanessa Guillen, who has been missing since April 22. We don’t know how many people could possibly be involved,” Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller said. Miller plans to drive to the Fort Hood area Friday night and meet with a team of about two dozen. Mayra said that she planned on being with Texas EquuSearch in Bell County this weekend.

FORT HOOD, Texas U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) is expected to speak Tuesday about the search for a missing Fort Hood soldier who is from Houston. Garcia has scheduled a news conference about the disappearance of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen sometime after she meets with officials at Fort Hood. Last week, officials said they were launching an investigation into allegations that Guillen was sexually harassed before her disappearance. Garcias news conference was tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Click2Houston.com plans to offer a livestream of the event.