Brockton Soldier Found Dead After Going Missing From Fort Hood

BROCKTON, MA — A Brockton soldier who went missing from Fort Hood in Texas last week was found dead Tuesday about 30 miles from the Army base, the victim of an apparent suicide.

Sgt. Elder Fernandes was reported missing on Aug. 19 and was last seen on Aug. 17. Police from Temple, Texas said identification found on the body indicated it was the Brockton solider. Police said he was found hanging in a tree near railroad tracks.

Attorney Natalie Khawam, who is representing the family, on Wednesday morning demanded an investigation into the circumstances that led Fernandes to leave the base.

"Our worst nightmare has happened," Khawam, a civil rights attorney representing veterans, posted early Wednesday morning. "One of our own, Sergeant Elder Fernandes has been found dead today. We are sickened by this tragedy that has happened one too many times. We are heartbroken for Elder Fernandes's family."

Khawam told Task & Purpose, a military and veteran-focused digital media company, that Fernandes was bullied on the base after reporting sexual abuse.

"He was very upset, he was embarrassed, he was hurt, he was really angry," Khawam told the digital publication on Tuesday. "He reported it."

She added that he was bullied and hazed after being transferred to another unit.

We will not stop until we find out what happened to Elder. We demand a Congressional Investigation of Ft. Hood. We must protect our soldiers! We demand Justice for Elder!#justiceforelderfernandes#iamvanessaguillen
— Attorney Natalie Khawam (@WhistleblowerLF) August 26, 2020

The Associated Press reported that Fernandes is the third soldier from Fort Hood to go missing in the past year, two of whom have been found dead this summer.

Local police said foul play is not suspected, but an autopsy will be performed.