Murder, obstruction charges sought in death of Fort Leonard Wood soldier

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Military investigators are seeking charges against a U.S. Army specialist for allegedly killing one of his fellow soldiers.

Spc. Wooster Rancy, 21, with the 5th Engineer Battalion, is suspected of murder in the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, Fort Leonard Wood officials wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. The base in Pulaski County, which specializes in training engineers and military police, reported last week that a suspect had been detained in connection with the investigation.

The post did not detail the allegations against Rancy.

Military officials have said that Roque's body was found in a dumpster next to base housing after she did not show up for duty.

It wasn't immediately clear who was reviewing possible charges -- the post says the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel is referring the charges. Rancy is also accused of obstruction of justice.

Rancy has in military lock up in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, since Wednesday, Army spokesperson Michelle McCaskill wrote in an emailed response to questions.

A military officer will make a decision on his prosecution after a hearing, McCaskill wrote.

Roque was from Indiana and was a bridge crew member and mine dog handler, according to a social media post from the base.

Rancy is from North Miami, Florida, and is a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company. He joined the Army in 2022, according to the base.