Cecily Aguilar Sentenced for Role in Vanessa Guillen’s Murder
Cecily Aguilar, the woman involved in the 2020 murder of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. Aguilar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of perjury last year. Her then-boyfriend, Spc. Aaron Robinson, is accused of killing and dismembering Guillen. He later recruited Aguilar to help dispose of the body near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas.
Robinson took his own life when authorities closed in on him in 2020, making Aguilar the only person charged in connection with Guillen’s death.
US Attorney Jaime Esparza Speaks Out
At a press conference following the conviction, Jaime Esparza, the US Attorney for the Western District of Texas, expressed hope that the sentence would provide some measure of justice. He said, “We hope that today’s sentence brings comfort and justice to Vanessa Guillen’s family, whose pain is unimaginable. Aguilar will now face the most severe punishment for the choices she made.”
Meera Guillen Reacts to the Sentence
Vanessa’s sister, Meera Guillen, spoke at the press conference after Aguilar’s sentencing. She said, “This is a very difficult day for my family. There’s finally some relief because Cecily has taken responsibility for her actions. I’m happy to say we can close this chapter and move forward.”
The Crime and Aguilar’s Involvement
A report by the U.S. Attorney’s office detailed the role Aguilar played in the crime. Between April 22, 2020, and July 1, 2020, Aguilar assisted Robinson in modifying, mutilating, and concealing evidence related to Guillen’s body. Prosecutors said Aguilar worked to protect Robinson from prosecution by altering evidence and providing false statements to federal investigators multiple times.
Guillen, a 20-year-old Army soldier, was reported missing in April 2020. Her body was found weeks later after an extensive search around Fort Cavazos. On June 30, it was revealed that Robinson had killed Guillen with a hammer in the Army barracks. He then placed her body in a box and drove it to the Lyon River, approximately 20 miles from the base. According to court documents, Robinson and Aguilar dismembered Guillen’s body, attempted to cremate it, and ultimately buried the remains in three separate locations.
Mayra Guillen Confronts Aguilar’s Family
In a powerful statement, Mayra Guillen, Vanessa’s mother, shared her feelings of anger and disbelief. She said, “It surprised me when Aguilar’s family confronted us and asked for forgiveness. I still don’t understand why it took so long for her to speak up. I can’t believe this apology comes from the heart.”
Vanessa Guillen’s Case Sparks Change
Vanessa Guillen’s case sparked a nationwide conversation about military culture, particularly the issues of sexism and abuse in the armed forces. Following her death, women flooded social media with personal stories of military misconduct, using the hashtag #IAmVanessaGuillen.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the “I Am Vanessa Guillen Act” into law. The bill aims to criminalize sexual assault and harassment both inside and outside the military and introduces measures to protect service members from such crimes.
Attorney Natalie Kavam Reflects on the Sentencing
During the court proceedings, Natalie Kavam, the attorney representing Guillen’s family, made an emotional statement. She said, “Aguilar’s sentence must stand as a reminder that this crime will not be hidden. Vanessa Guillen served this country, and we must ensure that no other service member suffers the way she did.”
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