On May 29, 21-year-old Navy Seaman Angelina Resendiz went missing from her barracks at Miller Hall on Naval Station Norfolk. Resendiz, a culinary specialist, was last seen at her barracks around 10 p.m. The disappearance raised alarms among her family and military personnel, as she had not responded to calls or texts, breaking a pattern of consistent communication.
Virginia State Police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) launched an investigation and coordinated with local and federal law enforcement to locate Resendiz. After a prolonged search, the body was discovered in a wooded area of Norfolk, Virginia, confirming her death. A Navy sailor has been placed in pretrial confinement, and further charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are pending.
Resendiz’s mother, Esmeralda Castle, described her daughter as loving and kind, emphasizing her commitment to regular communication with family. Castle noted that Resendiz had a 400-day Snapchat streak with her sister, which was a key indicator of her well-being. The lack of any financial activity or digital footprint further added to the concern for her safety.
NCIS stated that it would not release further details about the investigation to respect the ongoing process. The incident has prompted discussions about the importance of monitoring the mental health and safety of service members, with authorities highlighting the collaborative efforts to ensure accountability and justice. The Navy is reviewing its protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, focusing on the well-being of personnel.