When Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez vanished in May 2020, the events that followed would shock a nation. A bright 21-year-old paratrooper from Chino, California, Enrique was found dead—his severed head washed ashore on a North Carolina beach. To this day, his murder remains a mystery.
The story raises more questions than answers. How could a soldier disappear during a holiday camping trip with trusted friends, and how has justice still not been served?
A Weekend Trip That Turned Into a Nightmare
Roman-Martinez and seven fellow soldiers from Fort Bragg planned a Memorial Day camping getaway on South Core Banks, a remote island off North Carolina’s coast. It should have been a relaxing escape. But by the morning of May 23, he had vanished.
What happened next was puzzling. The group waited hours—until the afternoon—before alerting authorities. They even failed to mention his disappearance when speaking with a park ranger earlier that day.
When a 911 call was finally placed, fellow soldier Spc. Alex Becerra described Roman-Martinez as having “suicidal tendencies”—a claim his family firmly denies.
Grief Meets Suspicion
Enrique’s sister, Griselda Martinez, rejected the suggestion that her brother was suicidal.
“He was a sweet kid. He would take the shirt off his back for anyone. This doesn’t add up,” she told A&E True Crime.
That emotional disbelief is shared by many who have followed the case. The facts—combined with the soldiers’ strange behavior—raise serious concerns.
A Horrifying Discovery Along the Shore
Six days after his disappearance, tragedy struck. Roman-Martinez’s severed head was found on a beach. No other body parts have ever been recovered.
Although the medical examiner could not determine the exact cause of death, homicide was the most consistent conclusion.
The gruesome discovery shocked military investigators, but after thousands of hours of investigation and interviews, no one has been charged in connection with his death.
Behavior That Raises Red Flags
From the start, the soldiers’ actions appeared odd. Why was there a delay in reporting his disappearance? Why did they leave behind his phone, wallet, and glasses in the tent? And why did Becerra mention suicide without any prior signs?
Later, Becerra and two others—Pfc. Samad Landrum and Pvt. Annamarie Cochell—faced military charges, but not for murder. Their offenses included using LSD, breaking COVID-19 travel rules, and lying to investigators.
Though these charges might explain erratic behavior, they do little to clarify what actually happened that night.
A Family’s Fight for Accountability
The Martinez family continues to push for transparency. U.S. Representative Norma Torres has advocated on their behalf, demanding accountability from the military.
“It took 17 hours to report him missing. Why wasn’t it treated as a potential homicide?” Torres questioned.
Instead, the Army initially labeled him AWOL (Absent Without Leave)—a move that many view as careless and disrespectful.
Investigation Lost in Jurisdictional Confusion?
A critical question in the investigation is this: Who had jurisdiction? Since the murder happened off-base, some believe the Army shouldn’t have led the investigation alone.
Local authorities were involved, but by the time multiple agencies were aligned, rain had washed away evidence, and valuable time was lost.
Despite a task force with FBI support, behavioral analysts, and over 400 interviews conducted, the case remains unsolved.
A Reward Without Justice
To date, the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) maintains that the case is still active. However, the silence surrounding the investigation has raised suspicions.
Currently, a $50,000 reward is available for information that could crack the case. Tips can be submitted anonymously to:
- Army CID: (910) 396-8777
- Fort Bragg MP Desk: (910) 396-1179
Remembering Enrique: The Human Behind the Headlines
Roman-Martinez was more than a soldier. He was a beloved brother, son, and friend. Described as generous, kind, and compassionate, his death leaves a void that no investigation can fill.
His family refuses to give up. And neither should the public.
“This could be anyone’s son or daughter,” said Torres. “We need answers. We need justice.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of death for Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez?
The medical examiner couldn’t determine an exact cause but stated the evidence suggested homicide.
Why wasn’t the case treated as a homicide from the start?
The Army initially classified him as AWOL. This misclassification delayed critical investigation steps.
Have any suspects been arrested for the murder?
No suspects have been charged in relation to the homicide. Several soldiers were charged for unrelated offenses.
Why did the fellow soldiers delay reporting him missing?
This remains unclear. The group did not notify anyone for nearly 17 hours and made questionable decisions during that period.
Was Enrique Roman-Martinez suicidal?
According to his family, absolutely not. There were no signs or history suggesting suicidal behavior.
Is the case still open?
Yes, officially. The Army CID claims it remains active, but there have been no major developments.