Elder Fernandes, 23, was found hanged on Tuesday more than a week after he disappeared in Texas, the Army said.
Before his disappearance, the Army revealed that Fernandes had reported alleged sexual harassment and it was being investigated. As Fernandes became the 12th Fort Hood soldier to turn up dead this year, his family attorney, Natalie Kwam, alleged that he struggled after reporting he was inappropriately touched by a male superior in May. "He was humiliated, he was embarrassed, he couldnt even tell his mom. He didnt want to tell anyone, Kwam told The Enterprise on Wednesday. He was afraid. He was ashamed by this.
Her family has also claimed that Guillen who went missing in April was sexually harassed prior to her disappearance and death. As officials tried to contact Specialist Aaron David Robinson about Guillen's death and disappearance, he shot himself. It's believed Robinson hit Guillen in the head with a hammer before dismembering and burying her body. Several other soldiers' remains were discovered as officials searched for Guillen.
Soldier Vanessa Guillen also was found dead this year after allegedly being sexually harassed A total of 12 Fort Hood soldiers have turned up dead this year. The soldiers who have died include: Fernandes, Guillen, Robinson, Specialist Cole Jakob Aton, Private Gregory Wedel-Morales, Private Mejhor Morta, Specialist Francisco Gilberto Hernandez-Vargas, Private First Class Brandon Scott Rosecrans, Private First Class Freddy Delacruz Jr, Specialist Christopher Wayne Sawyer, and Specialist Shelby Tyler Jones. Fernandes' death remains under investigation by the Army and local police departments.