Reward increased for information on Fort Bragg soldier death, investigators say it's 'a real mystery'
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is offering a reward of $50,000 for credible information related to the death of SPC Enrique Roman-Martinez, 21, who was last seen on May 22, 2020. Authorities are struggling to find relevant evidence in his death.
“This tragic death is a real mystery on what exactly happened. All logical theories or suspicions that were developed to date have been investigated and either discounted or disproven, " said Steve Chancellor, special agent with the CID.
Roman-Martinez was at a campsite on South Core Banks, the middle barrier island of the three that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore. Friends reported Roman-Martinez missing the next day when he did not return to camp. His phone, wallet and glasses were all found at the campsite, and he was last seen wearing blue shorts and no shirt, officials said.
Agents said they suspect the group was using illegal drugs on the night of May 22.
Authorities found partial remains of Roman-Martinez washed up on Shackleford Banks Island on May 29 near where he went missing. Because there was significant trauma on his remains, officials are continuing to investigate this death as a homicide.
So far, multiple agencies have executed more than 100 search warrants and subpoenas, and conducted more than 400 interviews connected to the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigations sent two dive teams to search for evidence. But as of Aug. 2, investigators has not recovered "a single piece of physical, forensic or testimonial evidence linking anyone to the death of Roman-Martinez," according to Chancellor.
None of the more than 130 pieces of evidence submitted contained any relevant DNA or blood.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to reach out to Army CID Special Agents at 910-396-8777 or the Fort Bragg Military Police Desk at 910-396-1179.
