FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (KY3/Gray News ) – A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the death of a soldier at an Army base in Missouri.

An inquest into the death of 23-year-old Sgt. Sarah Roque was released on Tuesday after her body was found in a dumpster.

Roque was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. She was reported missing on Monday after the Army said she failed to report for duty.

The cause of death was not disclosed.

Authorities are investigating her death as a homicide and reported they have a person of interest in custody.

“We continue to look at every lead in the investigation,” said US Army Special Agent John McCabe. “Efforts are being made at this time to ensure that this individual does not pose a threat to the base or the community.”

Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, was a member of the bridge crew and served as a mine dog handler with K-9 Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Engineer Battalion. He enlisted in 2020 and attended basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood.

“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the Fort Leonard Wood team are deeply saddened by this devastating loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Roque’s family, friends and fellow Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Commanding General of Fort Leonard Wood.

Roque’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

“Sergeant Roque was a daughter, a sister, a friend and a soldier who chose to serve our country with courage and honor,” Beck said. “Her passing has left a huge void in 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.”

Fort Leonard Wood officials said there is no threat to the public, including those serving at the post.

“I’ll tell you straight. I told this to our team and the command sergeant major and reinforced it: Fort Leonard Wood is a safe place to live and work,” Beck said.

No further information about the investigation or the person of interest has been released.

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