Army specialist Wooster Rancy, 21, was identified as a person of interest and was arrested in connection to the murder of Sgt. Sarah Roque. In a Facebook post on Thursday, October 31, Fort Leonard Wood officials said Rancy was charged for his role in the death of 23-year-old Sarah Roque, who went missing on October 21, 2024, from the Missouri military base. She was later found dead in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood military base on October 22, 2024.
Assistant Deputy Director Mark H. Lunardi told Newsweek Roque’s body was found in an area adjacent to single soldier housing on Fort Leonard Wood. Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, authorities said Wooster Rancy was charged with "obstructing justice in violation of Articles 118 and 131b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice." Authorities did not detail Rancy’s role in Roque’s death.
However, according to the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, Article 118 is connected to unlawfully killing a human being. Meanwhile, Article 131b addresses hindering investigation. Authorities added:
“The charges are allegations and Specialist Rancy is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
What we know about Wooster Rancy, the suspect charged in the death of Sarah Roque
According to Fort Leonard Wood authorities, Spc. Wooster Rancy, who joined the military in 2022, is a North Miami, Florida native. Rancy attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood before serving as a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion.
In a Facebook post, authorities announced that Rancy was charged in connection to Sarah Roque’s death on October 30, 2024. The charges came nearly a week after the army announced the arrest of a person of interest in the case. At the time, authorities did not identify the suspect. In a Facebook post on Thursday, authorities said:
“On October 30, 2024, the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel preferred charges against Specialist Wooster Rancy, 21, with the 5th Engineer Battalion, in relation to the death of Sergeant Sarah Roque.”
The potential motive for Roque’s murder was undisclosed. Roque served as a bridge crewmember and Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, Headquarters, and Headquarters Company of the 5th Engineer Battalion in Fort Leonard Wood.
Established in 1940, Fort Leonard Wood primarily serves as a training base for military personnel. Roque enlisted in 2020 and completed Basic Combat Training at the facility. Shortly after she was found dead, authorities condoled the incident, saying:
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"Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably. 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."
Authorities said Wooster Rancy is being held in pretrial confinement awaiting a preliminary hearing.
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