The remains of a missing U.S. Army sergeant were found earlier this week in a dumpster on a military base in Missouri, leading to the arrest of a person of interest related to her murder, according to officials.

Sgt. Sarah Roque, aged 23, was reported missing on Monday after she did not report for duty at Fort Leonard Wood, as stated in a military press release. The base is located roughly 80 miles south of Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Major General Christopher Beck announced that Roque’s body had been discovered in a dumpster on the base, adjacent to soldier accommodations.

Roque’s death is undergoing investigation as a homicide

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding Roque’s death, but her case is under investigation as a homicide by the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

As of Friday, investigators had not revealed the identity of the person in custody, the charges they face, or whether they are a civilian.

It remains unclear if Roque was in a relationship at the time of her death.

“This is a tragic situation as a commander and leader,” Beck expressed. “Such incidents are what we always hope to avoid for the sake of the family and the unit.”

Who is U.S. Army Sgt. Sarah Roque?

Roque worked as a mine dog handler and was a member of the K9 Detachment in the Fifth Engineer Battalion.

Originally from Ligonier, Indiana, which is located about 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne, she enlisted in the Army in 2020 and completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood.

Her accolades include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Army requests privacy for Roque’s family

“The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extend their sincerest condolences to Sgt. Roque’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers,” Beck stated in a Tuesday release.

“Roque was not just a soldier, she was a daughter, sister, and friend who proudly served our nation with bravery and honor. Her untimely passing has left a significant void among our ranks, and while words can’t alleviate the pain, we are committed to offering support and resources to those affected during this difficult period.”

This article has been updated for accuracy regarding the spelling of the victim’s name.