The death of 23-year-old Private First Class Katia Dueñas Aguilar, a soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, has left a community demanding justice. The young mother was found dead in her home with multiple stab wounds, a discovery that has intensified the urgency for answers.
Aguilar was discovered on May 18, 2024, in her Clarksville, Tennessee residence on Tiny Town Road, close to the Tennessee-Kentucky border. An autopsy, released in early July 2024 by the Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office, revealed that she had suffered 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by sharp force injuries to the neck. Toxicology reports showed an alcohol level of 0.161 and low levels of GBH, a date rape drug, in her system.
The shocking nature of Aguilar’s death has mobilized both local and federal authorities. The Clarksville Police Department and army criminal investigators are collaborating on the case, yet no arrests have been made. The lack of progress has been particularly hard on Aguilar’s family and friends.
The victim’s mother, Carmen Aguilar, shared her disbelief and grief during a news conference in Texas, saying, “She was always happy. That’s why I don’t understand. What happened?”
Aguilar, originally from Mesquite, Texas, enlisted in the army in 2018 and was stationed at Fort Campbell a year later. She was part of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and served as an Information Technology Specialist.
Her military service was marked by dedication and accolades, including two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
The impact of Aguilar’s death extends beyond her immediate family. She was a mother to a four-year-old boy, and her loss has been deeply felt by her fellow soldiers and the broader military community.
Aguilar was laid to rest in her hometown of Mesquite on May 31, 2024. Her funeral was held with military honors at a cemetery near Dallas, attended by friends, fellow soldiers, and commanders from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. The ceremony included a three-gun salute and a U.S. flag draped over her casket, which seven military members carried. A female mariachi singer performed “Amor Eterno,” a ballad expressing love and sorrow during the service. Attendees received small cards with a prayer in Spanish, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on one side, and a photo of Aguilar in her military uniform on the other.
Aguilar’s life, marked by her service and dedication to her country, was cut tragically short. Her family continues to seek justice and closure, hoping that someone will come forward with information that could lead to an arrest. The community remains on edge, with the shadow of this unsolved murder looming over them.
The family, in conjunction with The League of United Latin American Citizens, has offered a reward of $55,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This reward highlights the desperation and resolve to find Aguilar’s killer. The public has been urged to provide any information or video footage that could aid the investigation.