FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — A North Texas soldier's death out of state is being investigated as a murder, police said.
Katia Duenas-Aguilar, 23, was stationed near the Kentucky-Tennessee border in Fort Campbell, Ky. At about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, police in Clarksville, Tenn. responded to an ambulance call and Aguilar was found dead by police.
Aguilar was an IT specialist with the Army in the 101st Airborne Division. She joined the Army in as an Information Technology Specialist in 2018, according to a press release from the 101st Airborne Division. She won several medals during her time in the Army.
The incident has been ruled a homicide and police are investigating, according to a press release from Clarksville Police.
“We are stunned by the death of Pfc. Duenas-Aguilar,” Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell said in a statement. “In the meantime, we will continue to cooperate with Army and local investigative authorities on this matter.”
She completed basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Eisenhower (previously Fort Gordon), Georgia, before reporting to Fort Campbell in 2019. A member of the Combat Aviation Brigade, she had a long list of awards and commendations, including two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Duenas-Aguilar was a 2018 graduate of North Mesquite High School. Active in the school’s JROTC program, she was also a welcome presence in Ryan Forkner’s choir class.
"Loved to smile. Loved to laugh,” Forkner said. "Just a vibrant, fun, always smiling person. Always smiling every time I saw her. It's shocking. It's always hard to accept."
Duenas-Aguilar was also the mother of a 4-year-old son. Her family says the child is safe and unharmed.
"With the circumstances it's shocking and it's very hard to grasp the reality of it,” added Forkner. “Especially someone so young, who was just starting their life."
Police did not immediately release any additional information about the incident. Anyone with information regarding Duenas-Aguilar’s death is asked to contact Detective Hofinga at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5684.