Congress investigates Fort Hood and its leadership's response to sexual assaults, disappearances and the deaths of 28 soldiers stationed there who have died this year

Congress will launch an investigation into sexual assault, disappearances, deaths and the leadership's response at Fort Hood after 28 soldiers stationed at the U.S. Army base in Texas have died this year, two subcommittee leaders announced Tuesday.

According to data from Fort Hood officials, the 28 deaths include five homicides, as well as accidents, suicides, deaths related to illness, cases still under investigation and one combat-related death.

Democratic Reps. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts and Jackie Speier of California sent a letter to Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy requesting documents and information on the deaths. 

Lynch chairs the Committee on Oversight and Reform's Subcommittee on National Security, and Speier leads the Committee on Armed Services´ Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

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Democratic Reps. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts and Jackie Speier of California are leading congressional investigations into Fort Hood

According to the letter, the subcommittees will jointly investigate if recent deaths 'may be symptomatic of underlying leadership, discipline, and morale deficiencies throughout the chain-of-command'.

The letter said that according to Army data there were an average of 129 felonies committed annually at Fort Hood between 2014 and 2019, including cases of homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated assault.

The members of Congress cited the deaths of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who according to federal officials was bludgeoned to death at the Texas base in April by a fellow soldier, and Pvt. Gregory Morales, whose remains were found in June while searching for Guillen. Morales was reported missing in August 2019.

The letter also names Pvt. Mejhor Morta and Sgt. Elder Fernandes, whose deaths are still under investigation, and the homicide investigations of Pvt. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, Spc. Freddy Delacruz Jr. and Spc. Shelby Tyler Jones.

According to the letter, McCarthy during an August visit to Texas stated that Fort Hood had the 'highest, the most cases for sexual assault and harassment and murders for our entire formation of the US Army'.

The body of Fernades was found at the end of last month, just weeks after his August 17 disappearance and following allegations he made of sexual abuse.

Lynch and Speier said they will report the conditions and circumstances that could have contributed to the soldiers´ deaths and seek justice on behalf of soldiers and families 'who may have been failed by a military system and culture that was ultimately responsible for their care and protection'.

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The members of Congress cited the deaths of Spc. Vanessa Guillen in their request for documents pertaining any information about the 28 soldiers who have died at Fort Hood in 2020

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The letter also names Pvt. Mejhor Morta and Sgt. Elder Fernandes (pictured), whose deaths are still under investigation, and the homicide investigations of Pvt. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, Spc. Freddy Delacruz Jr. and Spc. Shelby Tyler Jones

The family of Guillen, whose remains were found on July 1, has rallied from Texas to the doors of the White House calling for a congressional investigation. 

Natalie Khawam, who represents the Guillen family, said she is thankful Congress has agreed to their demands to investigate.

'Our soldiers and their families deserve the truth,' Khawam said.

Leaders of the Navajo Nation said in a statement Tuesday that they sent letters to members of Congress calling for 'a congressional inquiry and formal investigation' into the deaths of two Navajo Nation members who were stationed at Fort Hood.

Pvt. Carlton L. Chee, 25, died on Sept. 2 after collapsing at the Texas base following physical training exercises on August 28, according to Fort Hood officials. 

His death came the same day a welcoming ceremony was held for the base's new commander Major General John Richardson IV, who has taken over the role after Deputy Commanding General Scott Efflandt was removed from the position last Tuesday.

The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President also received information from the family of Spc. Miguel D. Yazzie, who died on July 3 at Fort Hood, according to a statement from Navajo leaders.

'It is very troubling that while they are mourning the loss of their loved ones, they are not receiving adequate and timely factual information regarding the time leading up to their deaths,' said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Last week, it was announced that General John Murray, the head of the Army’s Futures Command, will conduct the new investigation into the base that's already undergoing an independent review issued by the Army. 

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Following the death of Pvt. Carlton L. Chee (pictured) and Spc. Miguel D. Yazzie, leaders of the Navajo Nation said they sent letters to members of Congress calling for 'a congressional inquiry'

He is senior to all the generals in the chain of command at Fort Hood meaning he has the authority to recommend disciplinary action against them.

'There are currently several investigations underway at Fort Hood which are tasked with reviewing a wide range of topics and concerns,' the Army said in a press release.

'Gen. Murray will roll those efforts into a more complete and comprehensive investigation that will delve into all activities and levels of leadership,' the Army added.