Members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation joined together this week in calling for an independent investigation into the death of soldier from Massachusetts.
In a letter to Acting Inspector General Sean O’Donnell, the delegation requests a “complete and thorough investigation” into the circumstances that led to the disappearance and death of Sergeant Elder Fernandes.
“We are heartbroken by SGT Fernandes’ death,” reads the letter signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch, Jim McGovern, Joe Kennedy III, Lori Trahan, Ayanna Pressley, Bill Keating, Richard Neal, Katherine Clark and Seth Moulton.
“As Members of Congress representing SGT Fernandes and his family, we demand a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death, including allegations of abusive sexual contact, bullying, and retaliation. We also ask you to investigate the Army’s response to SGT Fernandes’ disappearance and whether Army leaders kept the Fernandes family appropriately informed about the search for their missing relative until he was found on August 25.”
The Congressional delegation added, “We must do more than grieve the loss of SGT Fernandes — we must seek justice and answers for his family.”
The Brockton native was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. The 23-year-old was reported missing on Aug. 19 after he hadn’t been seen for two days. Family said he went missing on Aug. 17, the same day he was released from the hospital.
On Tuesday - a week after his disappearance - a man’s body was found about 25 miles away from Fort Hood. Fernandes’ backpack and identification was found alongside the body.
Foul play is not suspected, police said but an investigation is ongoing and an autopsy was ordered.
Natalie Khawam, an attorney representing the young man’s family, said police told the Fernandes family that his body was found hanging from a tree.
Prior to his death, Fernandes transferred units after reporting “abusive sexual contact,” Fort Hood public affairs officer Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam said in a statement.
The soldier’s family said he was bullied and hazed for reporting the allegations.
Brautigam said an Army sexual assault response coordinator had been working with the young man.
After his body was found, the Army announced officials had determined the allegations raised by Fernandes were unsubstantiated and briefed him prior to his death.
“I am saddened that another soldier who served the country has been destroyed by sexual assault and sexual harassment and this toxic culture in the military that exists,” Khawam told the Associated Press.
Fernandes is the third soldier to go missing from the Texas Army base in the past year, the second to have been found dead.
Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, was killed and dismembered by a fellow soldier assigned to the base. Prior to her death, she spoke to her family about experiencing sexual harassment and expressed fear for her safety.
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Original story here.