Missing soldier and Brockton native found dead Tuesday

TEMPLE, TX (August 25, 2020) –At 5:36 p.m. Tuesday, a call was received in reference to a medical call along the railroad tracks west of South 49th Street in Temple, Texas.

A caller advised that a male was observed near the railroad tracks. Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined that the subject had been deceased for some period of time.

Identification found at the scene indicates the victim may be missing Fort Hood Soldier 23-year-old Elder Fernandes. However, no forensic confirmation has been made at this time.

At this initial stage of the investigation, there is no indication of foul play. The investigation is ongoing. Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield has ordered an autopsy. Next of kin have been notified.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fernandes family during this challenging time,” Temple Police Chief Shawn Reynolds said.

Temple PD is the lead agency in the death investigation. TPD is working in conjunction with Fort Hood and Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigations Divisions. Temple Fire & Rescue also responded to the scene.

According to CBS News, the body was found hanging in a tree. Fernandes’ backpack was with him which also contained his driver’s license.

Family members reported to officers on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 that Fernandes was last seen by his Staff Sergeant when he dropped him off at his residence located in the 2700 block of Woodlands Drive in Killeen.

Lt. Col. Chris Brautigam, a 1st Cavalry Division public affairs officer, told CNN in a statement that there is an “open investigation of abusive sexual contact” where Sgt. Elder Fernandes was the victim in the investigation.

“The unit sexual assault response coordinator has been working closely with Sgt. Fernandes, ensuring he was aware of all his reporting, care, and victim advocacy options,” Brautigam said. “The unit also facilitated his transfer from a unit who has recently deployed to a different unit within the brigade to ensure he received the proper care and ensure there were no opportunities for reprisals.”

Fort Hood has garnered attention recently after at least 8 soldiers, now 9, stationed there have died or been found dead since March, including 20-year-old Spc. Vanessa Guillén.