Killeen Man Charged with Murder of Fort Hood Soldier

A Killeen man has been charged with murder in the case of slain Fort Hood Soldier Pfc. Brandon Scott Rosecrans.

28-year-old Brandon Michael Olivares was already in the Bell County Jail on an unrelated charge when the Bell County District Attorney's Office issued a murder warrant for him Wednesday, August 5. Jail records indicate he was booked on June 5 and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A blue warrant was issued as well.

A charge of first degree felony murder has been added to Olivares' roster, and he remained in the Bell County Jail Thursday, August 6 in lie of bonds totaling $1,100,000.

According to investigators, Olivares and Rosecrans were traveling together in Rosecrans' vehicle when Olivares shot Rosecrans. He then dumped Rosecrans' body near the roadway in the 2100 block of Fuller Lane. Roscran's body was discovered shortly after 10:16 AM Monday, May 18. His vehicle was found aflame around 10:27 AM the same day.

Rosecrans was only 27 at the time of his death. Police have not commented on a possible motive, but whatever transpired, it's absolutely tragic that a service member was gunned down here in Central Texas and simply left on the side of the road. It's a travesty.

According to Army officials, Rosecrans was from Kimberling City, Missouri and entered the service in May of 2018 as a quartermaster and chemical equipment repairer. He was assigned to Fort Hood's 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in November of 2018.

Rosecran's death remains under investigation, as do the deaths of Fort Hood soldiers Vanessa Guillen and Gregory Morales.