On Sunday, the Army announced that it had identified Pvt. Gregory Scott Morales as the Fort Hood soldier whose skeletal remains were discovered on June 19 in Killeen, Texas.
The 24-year-old soldier joined the Army in June 2015 as a motor transport operator and had been assigned to the 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2016, according to a press release put out by the Fort Hood public affairs office.
“Morales’ remains were discovered in a field near the 3200 block of Florence Road Friday morning after U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Special Agents received information as to the location of the body,” reads the press release. “Foul play is suspected at this point in the investigation.”
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the manner of death.
Military and civilian law enforcement are working on the case, with the Killeen Police Department offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone with credible information about Morales’ death.
According to the press release, Morales was last seen driving his car outside Fort Hood in Killeen on Aug. 19. The last time anyone spoke with Morales, who also goes by Wedel — his last name prior to taking his wife’s name in marriage — was on Aug. 20.
Morales was in the process of getting out of the Army, with his discharge slated to occur within a few days, at the time of his disappearance.
“The First Team is saddened by the news of the passing of PV2 Gregory Morales,” Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division said in the release. “His life was taken too soon, and we appreciate his service to our nation.”
Morales’ home of record is listed as Sapulpa, Oklahoma. His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanics Badge and Army Service Ribbon.
Anyone with information regarding Morales’ death can contact Army Criminal Investigation Division agents at 254-287-2722 or the Military Police Desk at 254-288-1170. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Army CID, here.