U.S. Army hears murder case of Ft. Leonard Wood soldier

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo -- Specialist Wooster Rancy, 21, is being accused in the October 2024 murder of 23-year-old Sgt. Sarah Roque.

Last October, officials Fort Leonard Wood said Sgt. Roque's body was found in a dumpster on October 22. Sgt. Roque was a member of the 5th Engineer Battalion.

According to the U.S. Army, an Article 32 hearing took place Tuesday at the military installation. Spc. Rancy is charged with murder and obstructing justice in violation of Articles 118 and 131b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel preferred charges against Spc. Rancy on Oct. 20, 2024.

The hearing gives investigators a chance to lay out the case to a Preliminary Hearing Officer (PHO) who will then examine evidence and testimony, both of which were provided Tuesday.

The next step is for the PHO to issue a report and make recommendations regarding the appropriate disposition of the case. This hearing is required before charges can be referred for trial by general court-martial according to Article 32 of the UCMJ. If it is referred to court-martial, a military judge will be selected. The schedule, dates for pre-trial hearings, and the trial itself.

Sgt. Roque was a native of Ligonier, Indiana, and was a bridge crewmember. She also served as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 detachment.

"Sergeant Roque was a daughter, sister, friend, and Soldier who chose to serve our country bravely and honorably," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding General at the time of her death.

Sgt. Roque's awards and declarations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Spc. Rancy is originally from North Miami, Florida, joining the Army in 2022 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood. Rancy is being held in jail at the Midwest Joint Regional Confinement Facility at Fort Leavenworth, KS.