What happened to Selena Roth? Army veteran found dead in trash can in Hawaii, estranged soldier husband charged
A US Army soldier has been arrested for allegedly killing his estranged wife in Hawaii, weeks after her body was found in the trash. Spc. Raul Hernandez Perez, 25, from Naples, Florida, was charged in the killing of 25-year-old Selena Roth, who was found dead in a trash can at the Schofield Barracks after concerned family members requested a welfare check on January 13, 2021.
Special agents from the US Army Criminal Investigation Command took a suspect into custody on February 3, 2021, the evening after the interrogation. No further details have been released about the circumstances surrounding her death, but court records suggest that the couple’s relationship had been deteriorating.
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"Our brigade and the Army community are heartbroken by Selena’s death," said Col. Theodore Travis in a statement. "We have extended our condolences to Selena’s family, friends and loved ones."
Roth and Perez had filed for divorce in October 2020. The following month, Perez sought an order of protection against his wife, claiming that she "threw" electronics and let the air out of his car tires, the Star Advertiser reported. She also allegedly hurled abuses at him.
Maj. Gen. James Jarrard, commander of the 25th Infantry Division and US Army Hawaii, offered his condolences to the victim’s family and told Hawaii News Now, “We are committed to the pursuit of justice, and those responsible will be held accountable. I know many of us are still in shock. Our priority is to continue to support the investigation and to ensure Selena’s family and our Army community receive the needed support and resources during this difficult time.”
Roth’s sister, Aubrey Rangel, wrote on a GoFundMe page that she is survived by a “beautiful young daughter who will never get the chance to know her mother". The page has raised $5,490 of the $20,000 goal. In the fundraiser bio, her sister writes, "Selena is leaving behind a beautiful young daughter, who will never get the chance to know her mother. She is leaving behind a father and a mother who adored her, no Parent should ever have to bury their child. Selena is leaving behind many siblings, we are all grieving for the loss of our baby sister."
The desription further read, "A little bit about Selena; She was an army veteran who fought for the rights of female active-duty members. She fought against domestic violence and military sexual trauma (MST) in the military. Selena was a huge advocate for animals, she adopted many herself. She would take animal food and feed the homeless animals when she could find them. If Selena thought you needed the coat off of her back more than she did, without question she would just give it to you. She fought for what she believed in, even if the people around her did not agree, she always fought for what was right."