The shocking death of 23-year-old Private First Class Katia Dueñas Aguilar, stationed at Fort Campbell, has left a community seeking answers. The young mother was discovered dead in her residence with multiple stab wounds.
Aguilar’s body was found on May 18, 2024, in her Clarksville, Tennessee home on Tiny Town Road, near the Tennessee-Kentucky border. An autopsy conducted by the Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office and released in early July 2024, showed 68 stab wounds on her neck and upper body. The cause of death was declared as a homicide resulting from sharp force injuries to the neck. Toxicology results indicated an alcohol level of 0.161 and traces of GBH, a date rape drug, in Aguilar’s system.
The horrific circumstances of Aguilar’s death have spurred local and federal law enforcement into action. The case is being jointly investigated by the Clarksville Police Department and army criminal investigators, with no arrests made to date. Aguilar’s family and friends are finding the lack of progress in the case distressing.
At a news conference in Texas, Aguilar’s mother, Carmen Aguilar, expressed 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 in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
During her military service, Aguilar was recognized for her commitment with 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.
The tragedy of Aguilar’s death has affected more than just her immediate family. She was the mother of a four-year-old son, and her absence is also deeply felt by her comrades and the larger military community.
Aguilar’s funeral took place in her hometown of Mesquite on May 31, 2024. The service, held with military honors at a cemetery near Dallas, was attended by friends, fellow soldiers, and commanders from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. The ceremony included a three-gun salute and a U.S. flag over her casket, carried by seven military personnel. A female mariachi singer performed “Amor Eterno,” a ballad of love and grief, during the service. Attendees were given small cards featuring a Spanish prayer, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a photo of Aguilar in her military uniform.
Despite Aguilar’s life being tragically cut short, her family continues their pursuit for justice and closure, hoping that new information leading to an arrest will emerge. The unresolved murder case continues to cast a somber shadow over the community.
In their quest for justice, the family, together with The League of United Latin American Citizens, is offering a reward of $55,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. This reward underscores the determination to find Aguilar’s killer. The public is encouraged to provide any information or video evidence that might assist the investigation.
