Authorities have found human remains during a search on Tuesday for missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen.
“Due to extensive investigative work conducted by Special Agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, agents have returned to an area of interest close to the Leon River, Bell County, Texas, for more investigative work in the search for Pfc. Vanessa Guillen,” said Chris Grey, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) spokesman.
“After receiving additional information, agents have discovered what has been described as partial human remains after analysis from a forensic anthropologist. Army CID agents are currently on scene with the Texas Rangers, the FBI and Bell County Sheriff’s Department,” Grey added.
The remains, however, have not yet been identified.
“No confirmation as to the identity of the remains has been made at this point and we ask for the media and public’s understanding that the identification process can take time. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, no further information will be released at this time,” Grey said.
However, Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller appeared confident the remains belonged to Guillen, telling ABC13, “It’s believed to be her … pending positive identification which that will have to be determined by the medical examiner’s office, but I’m confident to say the search for Vanessa is now over,” said Miller.
Investigators had previously searched the area on June 22.
Guillen, a 91F, Small Arms/Artillery Repairer, was last seen on the morning of April 22, 2020 in the parking lot of Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Hood. She was not seen the following day, and was missing from a barracks check, though her keys and identification were found in the arms room.
Her unit reported her missing to the U.S. Army CID on April 23.
Numerous agencies have been involved in the search for Guillen, including Army investigative units, Texas Rangers, Texas State Troopers, the FBI, and local police and sheriffs departments.
Amid concerns of foul play, the U.S. Army CID had increased the reward for information on Guillen’s disappearance to $25,000 on June 15.
Investigators have interviewed more than 150 people so far.
“We are completely committed to finding Vanessa and aggressively going after every single piece of credible information and every lead in this investigation,” Grey said earlier this month. “We will not stop until we find Vanessa.”
