Who Was PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar? Fort Campbell Soldier’s Stabbing Death

Husband and Another Suspect Charged in Fort Campbell Soldier’s Murder

Authorities have formally charged two individuals, including the husband of a slain Fort Campbell soldier, in connection with her brutal murder.

According to the Clarksville Police Department, Sofia Rodas, 35, has been indicted for first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Army PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar. Aguilar’s husband, 40-year-old Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, has been charged with tampering with evidence related to the case.

Both Rodas and Cruz were previously held in federal custody on unrelated charges before being extradited to Clarksville on Friday following their indictments.

The Clarksville Police Department, in collaboration with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, presented their investigative findings to the Montgomery County Grand Jury in December 2024, leading to the formal charges.

Katia Dueñas Aguilar, originally from Mesquite, Texas, worked as an information technology specialist and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division's Combat Aviation Brigad

Who was Katia Dueñas Aguilar? Early Life and Personal Background

Katia Dueñas Aguilar was born on February 12, 1995, in Mexico City, Mexico. Growing up in a loving family, she was always encouraged to pursue her interests and dreams. From a young age, Katia exhibited a strong interest in science and technology, which later influenced her career path. Her family eventually moved to Mesquite, Texas, where she continued her education and developed a passion for information technology. Described by her family as a joyful and vibrant individual, Katia was also a devoted mother to her young son. She had aspirations of returning to Texas after completing her military service to be closer to her family and provide a stable environment for her child.

Military Service

In 2018, driven by a desire to serve her adopted country and further her career in technology, Katia enlisted in the U.S. Army. By 2019, she was stationed at Fort Campbell, located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Serving as an information technology specialist with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, she was responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting communication systems vital to military operations. Her dedication and commitment to her role earned her the respect of her peers and superiors.

Circumstances of Her Death

On the evening of May 18, 2024, Clarksville Police Department officers responded to an emergency call at a residence on Tiny Town Road in Clarksville, Tennessee. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of 23-year-old PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar. An autopsy conducted by the Montgomery County Medical Examiner's Office revealed that she had suffered 68 stab wounds to her neck and upper body. The death was ruled a homicide resulting from sharp-force injuries to the neck.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Two charged in connection to homicide of Fort Campbell soldier, including husband

The investigation into Katia's death was a collaborative effort between the Clarksville Police Department and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

In December 2024, their findings were presented to the Montgomery County Grand Jury, leading to indictments in February 2025. Two individuals were charged:

• Sofia Rodas, 35: Indicted on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

• Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, 40: Katia's husband, charged with tampering with evidence.

Both Rodas and Salinas Cruz were already in federal custody on unrelated charges at the time of their indictment. They were extradited to Clarksville on February 7, 2025, and are currently awaiting prosecution.

Community Response and Calls for Justice

The brutal nature of Katia's death elicited strong reactions from both her family and advocacy groups. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), in collaboration with Katia's family, offered a combined reward of $55,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This initiative underscores the community's demand for justice and transparency in the investigation.

Advocacy groups, drawing parallels to previous cases involving Latina soldiers, emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability. The Pink Berets, an organization supporting military women, highlighted concerns over the handling of such cases and called for greater transparency from military authorities.

Ongoing Investigation

As the case progresses, both Rodas and Salinas Cruz remain in custody, awaiting trial. The Clarksville Police Department, in conjunction with military authorities, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Katia's death.

Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the motive or the relationship between Rodas and Katia. The case remains active, and officials encourage anyone with pertinent information to come forward.

Conclusion

The tragic death of PFC Katia Dueñas Aguilar has left a profound impact on her family, the military community, and the nation. As the legal process unfolds, there is a collective hope that justice will be served, providing some measure of solace to those who knew and loved her.