Harkers Island, North Carolina – The Cape Lookout National Seashore, known for its wild horses and stunning vistas, is a 56-mile stretch of islands accessible only by boat. In 2020, the serene natural retreat became the backdrop for a tragic event when the body of paratrooper Enrique Roman-Martinez was found.
As a member of the elite 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, Roman-Martinez was described as a young man with a big heart, a love for good food and video games, and a deep sense of care for his friends and family. However, his time in the military took a turn, and despite his struggles, he continued to serve his country.
During a camping trip at the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Roman-Martinez went missing, sparking a search and rescue effort that yielded the discovery of his head washing ashore, but no other remains. The circumstances surrounding his death raised concerns about the Army’s handling of the case, leading to criticism from his family and local lawmakers.
The delay in labeling Roman-Martinez’s case as a cold case prompted lawmaker Norma Torres to advocate for a centralized cold case unit within the Army. Her efforts led to the creation of the unit, which has since begun sifting through decades-old records to re-examine unsolved cases.
The newly formed Army cold case unit has already identified numerous cold cases, offering hope for families seeking closure in the wake of their loved ones’ untimely deaths. Despite the lack of resolution in Roman-Martinez’s case, the Army’s commitment to solving these cold cases signifies a step in the right direction for families and communities affected by the loss of their service members.
In the aftermath of Roman-Martinez’s death, his family continues to seek answers and justice, filing a lawsuit against the Army for its handling of the investigation. The $50,000 reward offered by the Army for credible information concerning his death demonstrates the ongoing efforts to bring closure to his case. As the investigation remains ongoing, his family and the community are left waiting for resolution in this tragic event.