Up and Vanished Weekly

Episode: MURDERED: Vanessa Guillen

Release Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Maggie Freleng (with Payne Lindsey)
Guest: John Quiñones (ABC News Correspondent)

Episode Overview

This episode examines the tragic case of Vanessa Guillen, a young U.S. Army soldier who disappeared from Fort Hood in 2020 and was later found murdered. Host Maggie Freleng details the events leading up to Vanessa’s disappearance, the search for answers, and the impact her case has had on the military and broader society. Emmy-winning journalist John Quiñones joins to discuss his personal connection to the story, the investigation’s challenges, and its aftermath, including legislative reforms inspired by Vanessa’s death.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background and Disappearance of Vanessa Guillen

• [01:23 – 04:17] Vanessa’s Early Life

  • Vanessa Guillen, born to Mexican immigrant parents in Houston, TX; athletic, close to her family, engaged to Juan Cruz.
  • Loved the military but experienced harassment at Fort Hood.
  • Told her mother she was afraid to report a sergeant for sexual harassment.
  • “Vanessa’s laugh was contagious.” – Maggie Freleng [05:57]

• [02:31 – 09:20] Disappearance and Early Investigation

  • Vanessa disappeared on April 22, 2020, last seen at Fort Hood’s armory.
  • Her personal items were found left behind, raising her family’s suspicions.
  • Family organized large-scale searches and social media campaigns ("#FindVanessaGuillen").
  • Investigators learned Vanessa’s last communication was with Specialist Aaron David Robinson.

Breakthrough in the Case & Arrests

• [09:20 – 11:47] New Evidence and Suspects

  • Robinson seen wheeling out a large “Tuff Box” the day Vanessa disappeared.
  • Phone records showed late-night calls between Robinson and his girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar.
  • Aguilar admitted the couple dismembered and attempted to burn Vanessa’s body after Robinson killed her with a hammer.

• [11:47 – 14:21] Motive, Confession, and Sentencing

  • Motive: Vanessa saw a photo of Robinson and Aguilar, potentially exposing Robinson for violating fraternization rules.
  • Robinson died by suicide as police closed in.
  • Aguilar confessed, was convicted, and in 2023 sentenced to 30 years in prison.
  • “Her mom has forgiven [Cecily Aguilar] for what she did. Myra [Vanessa’s sister] not so quick to forgive.” – John Quiñones [29:39]

Interview with John Quiñones – Personal and Systemic Perspectives

A Personal Investigation

• [15:14 – 18:45] Personal Connection

  • Quiñones, also Mexican American, connected with Vanessa’s family.
  • First heard about Vanessa when Salma Hayek posted about her case, using her platform to demand visibility.
  • “Her family's frantic. They're pleading, demanding answers... started organizing protests and marches.” – John Quiñones [15:44]
  • Quiñones found similarities between his upbringing and the Guillen family: “I could smell fresh tortillas being cooked... it just brings it home.” [17:37]

• [18:45 – 21:22] On Reporting Within Your Community

  • Quiñones felt his shared background helped build trust and get real answers.
  • “People will open up to you more readily if they think you might understand their plight.” – John Quiñones [19:23]
  • Shared a story about ABC’s Bill Stewart, emphasizing the importance of language and cultural connection for getting the truth and protecting journalists.

Fort Hood Systemic Issues

• [21:22 – 22:57] Larger Scandal

  • Fort Hood plagued with sexual misconduct, suicides, homicides; more soldiers died in homicides than in battle in the years leading to Vanessa’s case.
  • “As it turns out, Fort Hood faced multiple scandals... including death by suicide. In 2020... 13 Fort Hood soldiers reportedly died by suicide.” – John Quiñones [21:40]

• [23:09 – 24:15] Impact and Obstacles in Reporting

  • Barriers were high: “It's a military base. It's hard to get in there and get answers.” – John Quiñones [23:09]
  • Protests at Fort Hood gates led to increased military attention and eventual access for journalists.

Outcomes and Reform

• [24:15 – 25:42] Legislative and Policy Changes
  • Pressure led to major reforms: the “I Am Vanessa Guillen Act.”
  • Act criminalizes sexual harassment, moves prosecution outside chain of command, mandates independent investigations, and protects against retaliation.
  • Army launched the People First Task Force to address toxic command climates and prioritize missing soldiers.
  • “It's pretty clear that Vanessa Guillen did not perish in vain.” – John Quiñones [25:05]

Vanessa Guillen’s Legacy and Reflections

• [28:26 – 30:12] Family and Aftermath

  • Myra Guillen, Vanessa’s sister, continues advocacy; has considered running for Congress.
  • The only person sentenced was Cecily Aguilar; family attended hearing and had an emotional confrontation with Cecily.
  • Family’s forgiveness remains divided.

• [30:12 – 31:11] Continuing Issues in the Military

  • Ongoing military problems: cover-ups, mutual protection among soldiers, fear of retaliation—especially for women.
  • “Too often soldiers protect each other and there are repercussions if you speak up. That’s why it’s kept under wraps.” – John Quiñones [30:42]

• [31:11 – 33:25] What Really Happened?

  • Quiñones: No one truly knows what happened in the arms room; Cecily’s story is all that’s left. The motive remains chillingly senseless.
  • “We never heard from Aaron Robinson about why this led to that and of course not Vanessa.” – John Quiñones [31:52]

Memorable Quotes

• On systemic military issues:
  “In the four years before Vanessa’s disappearance, more Fort Hood soldiers died in homicides than in battle.” – John Quiñones [21:58]

• On Vanessa’s family’s activism:
  “Her family just wouldn’t give up seeking justice.” – John Quiñones [17:29]

• On reporting within your own community:
  “Who better to go into those communities than someone who is not perceived as an outsider?” – John Quiñones [19:18]

• Vanessa's legacy:
  "The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act... will save lives we may and have to protect our protectors. We must be the voice to the voiceless." – Lupita Guillen (Vanessa’s sister) [34:38]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:23] Opening and Vanessa’s background
• [02:31 – 06:28] Day of disappearance & initial response
• [09:20 – 11:47] Discovery of evidence, confession, and arrest details
• [15:14 – 18:45] John Quiñones interview: personal connection
• [21:22 – 22:57] Exposing Fort Hood’s systemic issues
• [24:15 – 25:42] Legislative aftermath (“I Am Vanessa Guillen Act”)
• [28:26 – 30:12] Exclusive insights from the Guillen family
• [31:11 – 33:25] Quiñones’ perspective on unanswered questions
• [34:38] Lupita Guillen speaks on her sister’s legacy

Summary & Takeaways

• Vanessa Guillen’s case brought unprecedented scrutiny to sexual misconduct, reporting failures, and institutional corruption within the U.S. military.
• Media and public attention—galvanized by Vanessa’s family, high-profile advocates, and journalists like John Quiñones—led to significant reforms, notably the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act.
• The episode highlights not just Vanessa’s story but the broader pattern of abuse and silence in the military, and the power of community-driven advocacy and culturally-attuned journalism.
• Quiñones’s personal storytelling and interviews with family and officials expose otherwise hidden truths, bringing necessary urgency to these persistent issues.
• The case remains a rallying point for military and legislative reform, with Vanessa’s name now standing for victims whose voices are often suppressed.

If you or someone you know is in the military and experiencing harassment or abuse, call the Department of Defense Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.