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.