AUSTIN, Texas — A Fort Hood soldier was found shot dead in a burning vehicle Monday in a town just outside the central Texas Army base, according to local law enforcement and service officials.
Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans, 27, was identified Tuesday as the victim by the Harker Heights Police Department, which is investigating his death as a murder, according to a news release from Police Chief Phillip Gadd.
The soldier’s body was found inside an orange 2016 Jeep Renegade in Harker Heights, which is located about 12 miles southeast of Fort Hood. The town’s fire marshal is conducting an arson investigation concurrently.
Army Criminal Investigation Command also is investigating. Authorities did not provide further details Wednesday.
Rosecrans, who is from Kimberling City, Missouri, entered the Army in May 2018 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer and has been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, since November 2018, according to a news release from Fort Hood.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest regrets to the family and loved ones of Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans,” said Col. Kevin Capra, the 3rd Brigade commander.
Rosecrans’ awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
The Harker Heights Police Criminal Investigation Division is asking anyone with information about the murder to call them at 254-953-5400 or Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS [8477]. Submit information online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com. All information is confidential and anonymous, and tips leading to an arrest are eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.
Fort Hood has more than 36,000 active-duty personnel, and the base is home to III Corps, an armored headquarters, and its largest unit, the 1st Cavalry Division.
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