Another Dead Soldier Found Near Fort Hood Army Base; Third Body In A Month

KEY POINTS

The body of Pvt. Mejhor Morta was found near Fort Hood unresponsive on July 17 and he was declared dead on Tuesday
Morta is the third Fort Hood soldier whose body has been found near the base in the last month
Vanessa Guillen's body was found on July 1 and the remains of Gregory Morales were found on June 21

The body of a Fort Hood soldier was found near the base in Killeen, Texas, the U.S. Army said, the third soldier’s body found near the base in a month. Army officials said Pvt. Mejhor Morta’s body was found unresponsive on July 17 and he was declared dead on Tuesday.

“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said in a press release. Armstrong is the commander of the 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Black Knights.

“My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Private Morta was a great trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

Morta enlisted to the Army out of Pensacola, Florida, and served as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic after completing training. He was assigned in May 2020 to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He was still with the unit when he disappeared.

He was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon during his service.

The Bell County (Texas) Sheriff's Department is investigating Morta’s death, but has not commented on the investigation.

Morta’s death follows the deaths of fellow Fort Hood soldiers Gregory Morales and Vanessa Guillen, whose bodies were also found near the base.

Morales’ remains were found on June 21 in a field in Killeen, though a cause of death has not been identified. Authorities suspect foul play and the case remains under investigation.

Guillen’s death has received international attention following accusations by her family that she suffered sexual harassment and that the Army mismanaged her case. Her remains were found on July 1, but a cause of death has not been determined. Fellow Fort Hood soldier Aaron Robinson was identified as a suspect in her death, but committed suicide as police attempted to arrest him. Robinson’s girlfriend was arrested and is facing charges of tampering with evidence.