Harker Heights police investigating shooting death of Fort Hood solider as murder

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas - The Harker Heights Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a Fort Hood solider as a homicide.

Police say 27-year-old Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans died from a gunshot wound according to a preliminary investigation. A vehicle fire reported on May 18 has also been tied to Rosecrans as the vehicle, an orange 2016 Jeep Renegade, was confirmed to belong to him.

Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans (Fort Hood)

Fort Hood confirmed in a release Wednesday that Rosecrans was a soldier at the base. Rosecrans, who is from Missouri, joined the Army in May 2018 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer and had been assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since November 2018. 

"Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan McLane and I would like to express our deepest regrets to the family and loved ones of Pfc. Brandon Rosecrans. The thoughts and prayers of the Soldiers of 215th Brigade Support Battalion and the Greywolf Brigade are with them during this difficult time," said Col. Kevin Capra, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

Rosecrans' awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

RELATED: Police in Harker Heights investigating deadly domestic disturbance

The cause of the vehicle fire is still under investigation by the Harker Heights Fire Marshal. The murder and arson investigations will run concurrently by the Harker Heights police and fire departments, says HHPD. Fort Hood says the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is also investigating.

Anyone with information about this murder is asked to contact the Harker Heights Police Criminal Investigation Division at 254-953-5400. Information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or online.

RELATED: Fort Hood asking for public's help in locating missing soldier

All information is confidential and anonymous. Information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible could be eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000 in cash.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS