Missing Sailor Angelina Resendiz Discovered Deceased in Norfolk; Another Sailor Detained

The body of 21-year-old Angelina Resendiz has been discovered in Norfolk, Virginia, following her disappearance from Naval Station Norfolk. Her remains were located near the Broad Creek Apartments, just under ten miles from her barracks.

Resendiz had been reported missing on May 29, shortly after last seen at her barracks. A Navy sailor has since been placed in pretrial confinement as the investigation unfolds, with charges pending.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is leading the investigation, having issued a Critically Missing Adult Alert for Resendiz soon after she went missing. Her family confirmed the identity of the body found on Monday night.

Described by her family as dedicated and caring, Resendiz worked as a culinary specialist in the Navy. Her mother, Esmeralda Castle, expressed concern when days passed without contact from her daughter.

In the wake of this tragedy, Resendiz’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign for financial support as they seek justice. Castle is vocal about her demands for accountability, criticizing the military for failing to notify them officially about her daughter’s disappearance.

“The family is relentless in their pursuit of justice for Angelina,” Castle stated. “They call for transparency in the investigation and accountability for the oversights that put her life at risk.”

An official statement highlighted the family’s outrage over being informed through unofficial channels rather than the Navy. This, they argue, reflects systemic failures in notifying families during critical situations.

The NCIS has asserted its commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding Resendiz’s death and has coordinated with various law enforcement agencies in Virginia for a thorough investigation.

Responses from Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have been forthcoming. Kaine expressed heartbreak over Resendiz’s passing, urging swift action from the military and law enforcement for her family. Warner labeled her loss as a tragedy and promised to oversee the investigation closely.

The identity of the sailor in pretrial confinement remains undisclosed, although military criminal procedures typically follow federal guidelines. This suggests that the sailor may face charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and could be tried in a court-martial.

Experts indicate that military proceedings differ from civilian trials, where military counsel is appointed and a panel of military officials acts as a jury. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime, dual prosecution under civilian and military jurisdictions could occur.