KILLEEN, Texas — Skeletal remains found in a field in Killeen Friday morning were of missing Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales.
Kim Wedel, his mother, says she was told Saturday morning. Fort hood confirmed the identification Sunday morning.
"The skeletal remains of a missing Soldier discovered Friday in Killeen, Texas have been positively identified as those of Private Gregory Morales," the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command said.
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.
Foul play is suspected at this point in the investigation. Army Special Agents are working closely with the Killeen Police Department and are offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone with credible information concerning the circumstances surrounding the death of Morales.
Morales was positively identified using dental records with the assistance of the U.S. Army Dental Corps. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of death.
At this point, investigators say they have no credible information that this case is in any way connected to the search for Pfc. Vanessa Guillen who went missing from Fort Hood in April. That investigation is still being investigated.
“The First Team is saddened by the news of the passing of PV2 Gregory Morales. His life was taken too soon, and we appreciate his service to our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, commander, 1st Cavalry Division.
Killeen PD said around 9 a.m. on June 19, Fort Hood CID contacted the department regarding a tip they received. The tip indicated that a body was located in a field in the 3200 block of Florence Road in Killeen.
Killeen homicide detectives met with members of the CID. CID agents contacted the Texas Parks and Wildlife K9 for assistance in searching the field.
During the K9 search, skeletal remains were located and a crime scene was established.
Pvt. Gregory Scott Morales, 24, whose home of record is listed as Sapulpa, Oklahoma, entered 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.
Morales’ awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, 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.
PV2 Morales was last seen driving his personally owned vehicle outside of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas on the night of Aug. 19, 2019.
The Army CID had recently increased the reward for credible information on Morales' whereabouts to $25k.
Persons with information can contact Army CID Special Agents at 254-287-2722 or the Military Police Desk at 254-288-1170. They can also anonymously submit information here. They can also contact their local police departments. People wishing to remain anonymous will be honored to the degree allowable under the law and the information will be held in the strictest confidence allowable.
This story was originally published by Thalia Brionez at KXXV.
