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Top Investigators in Vanessa Guillen case honored by the United States Marshal Service

Four law enforcement members were recognized on Jan. 11 for their work investigating the death of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen.

WACO, Texas — Top investigators were recognized for their work investigating the death of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen. The annual ceremony took place in Waco at the Texas Ranger Education Center on Thursday, Jan. 11. 

The United States Marshal Service (USMS) honored four investigators during the 69th Attorney General Award for their distinguished service as they pieced together crucial information on the disappearance and murder of Vanessa Guillen. 

The USMS also presented the 40th USMS Director's Award to distinguished law enforcement members. 

Recipients of the Attorney General’s Award

  • Assistant Chief Senior Inspector Vincent Bellino

USMS Investigative Operations Division, Technical Operations Group

  • Task Force Officer - Lieutenant Mark Gerik

Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division

  • Task Force Officer - John Ray

Waco Police Department

  • Deputy U.S. Marshal - William Hicks

Recipients of the Director's Award

  • Assistant Chief Senior Inspector Vincent Bellino

USMS Investigative Operations Division, Technical Operations Group

  • Task Force Officer - Lieutenant Mark Gerik

Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division

  • Task Force Officer - John Ray

Waco Police Department

  • Deputy U.S. Marshal - William Hicks

Western District of Texas' Lone Star Fugitive Task Force - Waco Division

  • Task Force Officer - Jason Hubbard

McLennan County Sheriff's Office

  • Task Force Officer - Jason Petty

Killeen Police Department

  • Task Force Officer - Peter Meyer

Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Western District of Texas' Lone Star Fugitive Task Force - Waco Division

All four investigators who received the Attorney General were also awarded and the United States Marshal Director's Award.  

Sarah Pamerleau, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas helped present the awards. The recognition is in honor of the collaborative efforts between local, federal and state officials, according to Pamerleau.

US Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen was killed in 2020 while she was stationed on Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood. The only living suspect in her death, Cecily Aguilar is currently serving 30 years in prison. 

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