A U.S. Navy sailor who vanished from her barracks two weeks ago has been found dead in Norfolk, Virginia, with another sailor now in pretrial custody in connection with her death.
Angelina Petra Resendiz, 21, was last seen on May 29 at Naval Station Norfolk, where she was stationed as a culinary specialist aboard the USS James E. Williams. She was officially reported missing on June 3, prompting the Virginia State Police to issue a “critically missing adult alert” at the request of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that human remains discovered Monday in a wooded area of Norfolk were those of Resendiz. The city’s medical examiner positively identified the body on Tuesday.
The NCIS, which is leading the investigation, announced that another Navy sailor has been placed in pretrial confinement pending charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and the charges remain unspecified as of Wednesday. The UCMJ governs military legal proceedings and applies to active-duty service members, reservists, and cadets.
In a statement, NCIS said it has been working “tirelessly” with Navy leadership and multiple law enforcement agencies to uncover the truth behind Resendiz’s disappearance and death.
“NCIS remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic death of Seaman Resendiz to ensure accountability and justice,” the agency stated.
The discovery of Resendiz’s body has drawn sharp criticism from her family, particularly her mother, Esmerelda Castle, who has publicly condemned the Navy’s handling of the case.
“Her colleagues, friends, and even authorities knew she was missing, but the response was minimal,” Castle said in a statement released by local affiliate WTKR. “After her friends filed a missing person’s report when her commander would not, they showed little compassion or understanding. This callousness led to her death, which cannot be tolerated.”
In response, supporters have rallied behind the family. A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist Castle with related expenses has raised more than $9,000 to date.
Resendiz’s death has sent shockwaves through the Navy and the broader Norfolk community. Naval Station Norfolk is the world’s largest naval base, and the USS James E. Williams, a guided-missile destroyer, plays a key role in U.S. naval operations.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details surrounding the case are expected as charges are finalised and proceedings move forward under military jurisdiction.
Published by M10News.com | By F. Dayo Olusola | Category: U.S. / Military / Justice/11 June 2025
