Two Charged in Stabbing Death of Fort Campbell Soldier \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Two people have been charged in connection with the gruesome stabbing death of U.S. Army Private First Class Katia Dueñas Aguilar, who was found dead in Clarksville, Tennessee last May. Sofia Rodas, 35, faces first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges, while Aguilar’s husband, Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40, is charged with tampering with evidence. An autopsy revealed Aguilar suffered 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body, and the death was ruled a homicide.
Fort Campbell Soldier’s Stabbing Death: Quick Looks
- Two suspects have been charged in the murder of PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar.
- Sofia Rodas, 35, faces first-degree murder and tampering with evidence charges.
- Aguilar’s husband, Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40, is charged with tampering with evidence.
- Aguilar was stabbed 68 times, with wounds concentrated in the neck and upper body.
- Authorities extradited both suspects to Clarksville, Tennessee after holding them on unrelated federal charges.
- Aguilar, originally from Mesquite, Texas, had been serving at Fort Campbell since 2019.
- Police have not yet released specific details on the motive or circumstances of the crime.
- The Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide.
Deep Look
Authorities have charged two people in the gruesome stabbing death of U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) Katia Dueñas Aguilar, a 23-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Campbell on the Tennessee-Kentucky border.
According to the Clarksville Police Department, Sofia Rodas, 35, faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, while Aguilar’s husband, Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40, has been charged with tampering with evidence in the case.
Both suspects were previously held on unrelated federal charges before being extradited to Clarksville on Friday. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive or specific details of the crime, but an autopsy revealed that Aguilar suffered a horrific 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body.
The case has shaken the Fort Campbell military community, leaving family, friends, and fellow soldiers demanding justice for Aguilar’s brutal murder.
A Chilling Discovery: Aguilar’s Murder in Clarksville
In May 2023, Clarksville police officers responded to a call at Aguilar’s off-base home, where they discovered her lifeless body. The Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that she had suffered 68 stab wounds, primarily to her neck and upper torso.
The official cause of death was ruled homicide due to sharp-force injuries to the neck. The sheer violence of the attack shocked investigators, suggesting an act of extreme rage or premeditation.
At the time, authorities launched a months-long investigation, eventually identifying Rodas and Salinas Cruz as key suspects. However, both were already in custody on unrelated federal charges, delaying their immediate prosecution for Aguilar’s murder.
After their extradition to Clarksville, they now face state charges in Tennessee, with Rodas accused of directly carrying out the killing and Salinas Cruz facing charges for evidence tampering.
Who Was PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar?
Aguilar was a dedicated soldier who had enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2018. A year later, she was assigned to Fort Campbell, a major military installation housing the 101st Airborne Division, known for its rapid-response combat capabilities.
Her unit, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, is responsible for air assault missions, reconnaissance, and tactical aviation support. Aguilar served her country with honor and commitment, and her sudden death has deeply affected her fellow service members.
Born and raised in Mesquite, Texas, Aguilar had big aspirations both within the Army and beyond. Her tragic death has left her family and friends devastated, with many still searching for answers as to why she was brutally murdered.
The Suspects: Who Are Rodas and Salinas Cruz?
While authorities have yet to release specific details about the suspects’ involvement, here’s what is known so far:
Sofia Rodas, 35
- Charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence
- Allegedly stabbed Aguilar nearly 70 times
- Connection to Aguilar remains unclear (friend, acquaintance, or other?)
- Was previously held on unrelated federal charges
Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40 (Aguilar’s Husband)
- Charged with tampering with evidence in Aguilar’s murder
- Authorities have not disclosed his level of involvement in the crime
- Had also been detained on unrelated federal charges before extradition
- His role in potentially covering up the crime remains under investigation
The relationship between Rodas and Salinas Cruz is unknown, leading to speculation about possible motives, involvement in the crime, or cover-up attempts.
Unanswered Questions & Ongoing Investigation
While charges have been filed, many critical questions remain unanswered:
What was the motive?
Investigators have not yet disclosed whether Aguilar’s murder was premeditated, personal, or related to an external conflict.
How was Aguilar targeted?
Authorities have not released details about what led to the attack, where it happened inside the home, or whether Aguilar fought back.
What role did Salinas Cruz play?
Was Aguilar’s husband directly involved, or was he merely covering up evidence after the murder?
Was this a planned attack or a crime of passion?
Given the high number of stab wounds, investigators are looking into whether the attack was spontaneous or planned.
What was the connection between Rodas and Aguilar?
Authorities have not revealed if Rodas knew Aguilar or if they had prior disputes or history.
Police have confirmed that more details will be released as the case unfolds.
Legal Proceedings: What Happens Next?
Now that both Rodas and Salinas Cruz have been extradited, the case will move through Tennessee’s legal system.
- Rodas faces the most serious charge—first-degree murder—which could result in life in prison or even the death penalty if convicted.
- Salinas Cruz’s charge (tampering with evidence) carries a lighter sentence, but investigators may uncover more details that could lead to additional charges.
- Prosecutors will review the evidence, witness testimony, and forensic reports before proceeding with trial.
- The military community and Aguilar’s family continue to seek justice for her brutal murder.
A Community Seeking Justice
The Fort Campbell military community has been left shaken by Aguilar’s violent death. Soldiers and service members have expressed shock and grief, as losing a fellow soldier in such a brutal manner is devastating.
Her family in Texas has called for swift justice, wanting answers and accountability for Aguilar’s murder.
“We just want to know why this happened,” one family member said. “She didn’t deserve this.”
As new developments emerge, the case will remain a focal point for both military and civilian justice systems.
What’s Next?
Court appearances for Rodas and Salinas Cruz in Clarksville, Tennessee
Possible new charges as investigators uncover more details
Trial proceedings, where prosecutors will present evidence against the suspects
Continued military and civilian support for Aguilar’s family
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to come forward, as justice for Aguilar remains the top priority.
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