Fort Hood Identifies Soldier Found Dead Near Stillhouse Lake

Fort Hood officials have released the identity of a soldier found dead near Stillhouse Hollow Lake on July 17.

26-year-old Pvt. Mejhor Morta entered the Army in in September 2019 as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic. He had been assigned to Fort Hood's 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since May 2020. His awards and decorations included a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

Fort Hood officials have not released details about Morta's death, and say it remains under investigation.

“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta," 1st Bn. 5th Cav. Regt. Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said Tuesday. "I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. Private Morta was a great Trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

The discovery of Morta's body comes at a time when Fort Hood is already investigating three other soldiers' deaths.

Back on May 18, police found 27-year-old Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans dead from a gunshot wound in Harker Heights. His Jeep had been found burning earlier that day. His death was ruled a homicide, and the investigation continues.

On June 19, the remains of missing Fort Hood soldier Gregory Morales were found in a wooded field near Florence Road in Killeen. He'd been missing since August of 2019, and investigators say an anonymous tip led to the discovery of his body. He was initially considered AWOL, and has since been reinstated. Foul play is also suspected in his death.

On June 30, the remains of missing Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen was found near the Leon River. Investigator say she was murdered by fellow soldier Aaron David Robinson, whose girlfriend, Cecily Anne Aguilar, is believed to have helped him dismember, burn, and bury Guillen's body. She's in federal custody now, charged with evidence tampering.

Guillen's case in particular has sparked widespread anger and calls for an independent investigation into Fort Hood's handling of sexual harassment complaints and the deaths of Rosecrans, Morales, and Guillen.