The Army is offering a $15,000 reward for information on the murder of an 82nd Airborne soldier who went missing over Memorial Day weekend and whose partial remains were found in North Carolina on May 29.
Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez, 21, was a human resource specialist assigned to Headquarters Company, 37th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, the division’s public affairs office wrote in a press release on Monday.
Roman-Martinez was last seen on May 22 at a campsite near mile marker 46 on South Core Banks within Cape Lookout National Seashore, a remote national park set on three barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Volunteer paratroopers helped search for the soldier alongside park rangers, local police officers, and sheriff’s deputies, the release said.
A week after he disappeared, Roman-Martinez’ remains washed up on Shackleford Banks Island, an area where the prevailing tides have a reputation for washing ashore remains, according to the press release.
Investigators identified the remains as belonging to the missing paratrooper using his dental records.
“We are deeply saddened by Spc. Roman-Martinez’s untimely passing,” said Lt. Col. Scotty Autin, commander, 37th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “He was well-liked by those who served alongside him. Spc. Roman-Martinez had a great attitude and the tragedy of his loss is felt by all of us. Our sympathies are with his family, friends, and fellow paratroopers – especially his mother and sister who flew from California to be here.”
Army Criminal Investigation Command is leading the investigation into Roman-Martinez’s death.
Christopher Grey, spokesman for CID, said the command considers Roman-Martinez’ death to be a homicide, and is offering a reward of up to $15,000 to anyone with information leading to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible.
According to CID, individuals who want to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.
“We worked closely with the family, CID, and local authorities throughout the process,” said Autin. “Our priority now is to support them through the tragedy and ensure Spc. Roman-Martinez is recovered and honored in a dignified way.”
A Chino, California native, Roman-Martinez entered the Army in September of 2016, attended airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned as a paratrooper to Fort Bragg in March 2017.
His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact Army CID Special Agents at 910-396-8777. They can also submit anonymous information via https://www.p3tips.com/ or contact their contact their local law enforcement agencies.