Former U.S. Army Soldier Convicted in Cold Case Murder on Military Base in Germany

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In a long-awaited verdict, a former U.S. Army soldier was convicted by a federal jury in Pensacola, Florida, for the brutal murder of a pregnant fellow soldier on a military base in Germany over 22 years ago. The conviction comes after years of dedicated efforts by law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring the perpetrator to justice.

According to court documents, Shannon L. Wilkerson, 43, beat and strangled 19-year-old Amanda Gonzales to death in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne, a U.S. Army base in Hanau, Germany, on November 3, 2001. While Wilkerson was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time, he was discharged later on.

The conviction of Wilkerson for second-degree murder sends a powerful message that the Department of Justice remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, no matter how much time has passed. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the importance of holding the victim’s killer accountable for his heinous crime.

U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody applauded the unwavering resolve of law enforcement partners and their commitment to protecting Americans, especially those serving the country. This decades-long investigation and resulting prosecution demonstrate the dedication of authorities in using every available tool to bring closure to victims and their families.

The harrowing murder of Amanda Gonzales and her unborn child is a stark reminder of the need for justice in cases of violent crime. Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims.

Wilkerson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8 and could face a maximum penalty of life in prison. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI New York Field Office led the investigation into this cold case, with assistance from the Department of Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, which originally handled the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg are prosecuting the case in the Northern District of Florida.

This conviction serves as a reminder that justice knows no time limit and that the Department of Justice will continue to pursue justice for victims, even in cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

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