Plea is innocent to role in GI’s death
AUSTIN, Texas — A 22-year-old woman accused of helping hide the body of a slain Texas soldier pleaded innocent Tuesday to charges related to the crime.
Cecily Aguilar of Killeen, near Fort Hood, entered the pleas Tuesday in federal court in Waco to three conspiracy charges in the death of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, 20. Aguilar remains in the Bell County jail in Belton, Texas, while awaiting trial.
If convicted, Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Federal and state investigators believe that Army Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, of Calumet City, Ill., killed and dismembered Guillen and had Aguilar help dispose of the body in some woods. Her disappearance became the focus of a nationwide search.
Robinson killed himself July 1, the day Guillen’s remains were found near the Leon River in Bell County, officials said. The remains were identified as Guillen’s on July 6.
Guillen’s family members have said they believe she was sexually harassed by Robinson. Army investigators said last month that they had no credible evidence that Guillen had been sexually harassed or assaulted.
In the meantime, Army officials announced Friday that they will begin an independent review of the Fort Hood command climate after calls from members of Congress and community activists for a more thorough investigation into Guillen’s death.