Cecily Aguilar, the Texas woman who admitted to helping mutilate and hide the body of soldier Vanessa Guillén, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. The sentencing came after a lengthy court hearing on Monday, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Western Texas. Aguilar had previously pleaded guilty in November to federal charges related to the 2020 killing at Fort Hood.
Aguilar, who was the girlfriend of Aaron Robinson, the soldier suspected of killing Vanessa Guillén, was charged with accessory to murder after the fact and three counts of false statement or representation. Robinson, however, took his own life as police moved to arrest him in connection with the case.
During Aguilar’s trial, evidence and information revealed that Robinson was present at the Fort Hood military base, now known as Fort Cavazos, on the day Guillén was killed. Blood was found in the arms room, where it is believed Guillén was murdered. Witnesses testified that Robinson got the idea to dismember Guillén’s body from the TV series “Criminal Minds.” Aguilar and Robinson visited the burial site twice, first to dismember the body and then to mix her remains with cement. Aguilar stated that it took approximately seven hours to break down Guillén’s bones.
Members of the Guillén family and their supporters spoke at a news conference outside the Waco courthouse where Aguilar was sentenced. Vanessa’s mother, Gloria, expressed her belief that her testimony during the sentencing had an impact on the judge. Gloria Guillén also stated that she hopes Aguilar repents and seeks forgiveness from God. Mayra Guillén, Vanessa’s sister, mentioned that Aguilar apologized to the family during her testimony but acknowledged that nothing could bring back her sister.
Vanessa Guillén disappeared from Fort Hood on April 22, 2020, leading to rallies and a social media campaign demanding justice. Her dismembered remains were discovered near the base more than two months later. Guillén had previously reported experiencing sexual harassment at Fort Hood, which prompted an Army investigation and subsequent reforms within the military’s handling of sexual harassment and prevention.
The Guillén family filed a lawsuit against the Defense Department seeking $35 million in damages for Vanessa’s wrongful death. A trial date in federal court will be determined in the coming weeks, according to Natalie Khawam, the family’s attorney. The family’s story was featured in the Netflix documentary “I Am Vanessa Guillén,” which has been nominated for an Emmy for outstanding investigative documentary.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
