United States Army
Criminal Investigation Command
Media contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
571-305-4041
QUANTICO, Virginia (July 6, 2020) – Sadly, the human remains discovered in the vicinity of the Leon River in Bell County, Texas on June 30 have been positively identified as those of Spc. Vanessa Guillen who disappeared from Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas on April 22.
Using DNA samples, the remains were identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
“I know I can speak for everyone involved in this tragic situation that we are truly heartbroken for the family, friends and fellow Soldiers of Spc. Guillen,” said Brigadier General Duane Miller, the acting commanding general of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. “There are no words that can express the sorrow and loss that the family has endured, but we hope in some very small way, the collective efforts of everyone involved in finding Vanessa and working to bring those responsible to justice will help bring some degree of closure to the family who has had to endure this painful and senseless loss.”
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command would like to thank the efforts of all the law enforcement professionals and volunteers who worked tirelessly during the course of this investigation. They would also like to thank the media for their assistance and the public while the search was being conducted.
Due to the pending legal proceedings facing the civilian suspect implicated in this open investigation, no further information will be released by CID. Further questions concerning future prosecution or the investigation need to be directed to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.
Anyone with additional information can contact Army CID Special Agents at 254-287-2722 or the Military Police Desk at 254-288-1170. They can also anonymously submit information at https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.
For more information about CID or to report a crime, visit www.cid.army.mil.
