The Fort Campbell community is seeking answers following the shocking death of Private First Class Katia Dueñas Aguilar, aged 23. Aguilar, a young mother, was found dead in her residence, having suffered several stab wounds.
Aguilar’s body was discovered in her home on Tiny Town Road, Clarksville, Tennessee near the Tennessee-Kentucky border, on May 18, 2024. An autopsy report issued in early July 2024 by the Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Aguilar had been inflicted with 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body. The medical examiner classified her death as a homicide resulting from sharp force injuries to the neck. Toxicology tests found an alcohol level of 0.161 and traces of GBH, a date rape drug, in Aguilar’s system.
The gruesome nature of Aguilar’s death has prompted action from both local and federal law enforcement. The Clarksville Police Department and military criminal investigators are jointly investigating the case. However, no arrests have been made, causing distress for Aguilar’s grieving family and friends.
During a press conference in Texas, Aguilar’s mother, Carmen Aguilar, voiced her disbelief and sorrow, stating, “She was always happy. That’s why I don’t understand. What happened?”
Aguilar, a native of Mesquite, Texas, joined the army in 2018 and was assigned to Fort Campbell in 2019. She served as an Information Technology Specialist with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
During her military career, Aguilar displayed commendable dedication, receiving numerous medals, 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.
Aguilar’s untimely death has deeply impacted her four-year-old son, her fellow soldiers, and the broader military community.
Aguilar was honored with a military funeral in her hometown of Mesquite on May 31, 2024. The service, attended by friends, fellow soldiers, and commanders from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, was held at a cemetery near Dallas. A female mariachi singer performed “Amor Eterno,” a song of love and sorrow, as seven military members carried Aguilar’s flag-draped casket, following a three-gun salute. Attendees were given commemorative cards featuring a prayer in Spanish, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a photo of Aguilar in her uniform.
The tragic death of Aguilar, who served her country with dedication, remains an unresolved case. Aguilar’s family continues to seek justice, hoping for information that could lead to an arrest. The unresolved nature of Aguilar’s murder continues to cast a shadow over the community.
In collaboration with The League of United Latin American Citizens, the family has offered a reward of $55,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This reward underscores the determination to find Aguilar’s murderer and bring them to justice. The public is encouraged to assist the investigation by sharing any relevant information or video footage.
