Fort Campbell Soldier’s Husband and Woman Charged in Shocking Tennessee Stabbing Murder

Two individuals have been formally charged in connection with the brutal murder of Katia Dueñas Aguilar, a Fort Campbell soldier who was viciously stabbed nearly 70 times last year, authorities announced on Saturday.

According to a news release from the Clarksville Police Department, 35-year-old Sofia Rodas has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in Aguilar’s tragic death. Aguilar, a 23-year-old U.S. Army Private First Class, was found dead in her home in Clarksville, Tennessee, in May.

The shocking nature of the crime, marked by the excessive number of stab wounds, has drawn significant attention, and investigators have been working to piece together the circumstances leading up to Aguilar’s killing. While details about a possible motive remain unclear, law enforcement officials continue their efforts to ensure justice is served.

Authorities have charged Reynaldo Salinas Cruz, the husband of Katia Dueñas Aguilar, in connection with her tragic death. Salinas Cruz, 40, faces charges of tampering with evidence, while Sofia Rodas, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering. Both suspects had previously been in custody on unrelated federal charges before being extradited to Clarksville, Tennessee, on Friday. Police confirmed their transfer but did not immediately disclose details regarding the specific evidence leading to their charges. Their attorneys in the federal cases have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Aguilar, originally from Mesquite, Texas, had been serving in the U.S. Army since enlisting in 2018. She was stationed at Fort Campbell, a military base located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, and was a member of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. She also leaves behind a 4-year-old son.

The horrific nature of Aguilar’s death was confirmed by an autopsy report from the Montgomery County Medical Examiner’s Office. The report revealed that she had suffered 68 stab wounds concentrated on her neck and upper body. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, officially attributing the cause to sharp-force injuries inflicted on her neck.

Before her untimely death, Aguilar had expressed to her family that she was considering leaving the Army. However, her plans changed after she consulted with an Army counselor, leading her to decide to continue her service, according to her sister, who spoke with KTVT-TV.