Murdered Mesquite soldier stabbed 68 times, husband, woman arrested

DALLAS - Police in Tennessee investigating the murder of a Mesquite U.S. Army soldier who was stationed at an army base on the Tennessee and Kentucky border say there have been two arrests in connection to the murder. She was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. 

Army PFC Katia Duenas Aguilar, 23, was found dead on May 18, 2024, at a home in Clarksville, TN. Clarksville police say they got a call around 8:30 p.m. for an ambulance. When they got to the home, they found Aguilar inside. Police ruled her death a homicide.

Aguilar's sister tells FOX 4 their family has been suspicious of the two people arrested since Day 1, however the motive is unclear. 

The Investigation

What we know:

The Montgomery County Medical Examiner's Office says the autopsy showed Aguilar was stabbed 68 times, mostly in her neck. She also had wounds on her head, chest and shoulder. 

The investigation led police to 35-year-old Sofia Rodas and 40-year-old Reynaldo Sanlinas Cruz.

Rodas has been charged with first degree murder and tampering with evidence.

Cruz, Aguilar's husband, has been charged with tampering with evidence.

At the time of their indictment in December, both Rodas and Cruz were already in federal custody on unrelated charges not directly associated with the homicide investigation.

They were extradited to Clarksville on February 7, 2025, and served with their sealed indictments at the Montgomery County Jail.  

This case remains an open and active investigation and is now awaiting prosecution. No other information has been provided.

The backstory:

After graduating from North Mesquite High School, Aguilar joined the U.S. Army.   

After basic training in 2019, she was stationed at Fort Campbell.   

The Mesquite native won several awards during her short time with the army, including a medal for good conduct and the National Defense Service Medal.  

Aguilar also leaves behind a 4-year-old son.

Family members on arrests

What they're saying:

Cecelia Aguilar Ruiz, Aguilar's sister, says her family heard the news of Aguilar's death from Rodas and Cruz before the police notified them.

Aguilar's family says they did not know she was married and had not heard of Cruz until he called them to break the news of her death. They say Cruz claimed police first notified him because he was her husband.

Rodas was someone her sister considered a friend.

"She would tell me I have this friend who’s helping me out," said Ruiz.

The family says they believed the pair were connected to the crime all along.

"We were very confused and to hear this now, ever since the beginning we’ve just had the suspicion like, it had to be them," said Ruiz.

Family members say they want Aguilar to be remembered as more than a murder victim.

"To remember her as a very caring person, very bright person — full of laughter, sunshine," said Ruiz.

"LULAC continues to stand with the family of Katia Dueñas Aguilar. This news is bittersweet to them for while it provides some hope for justice, nothing will bring her back. We trust that the investigation will help shed light on the motive for Katia's killing. Also, what we learn from this case may help protect other service members from falling victims to foul play," said Roman Palomares LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board.

What you can do:

Anyone with information or additional video footage is asked to please contact Detective Hofinga at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5720.  

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