Wiesbaden, Germany – When Army Spc. Denisha Montgomery Smith was discovered deceased inside a U.S. base in Germany last year, her family was left devastated. Montgomery Smith’s loved ones now express their anguish over the lack of answers surrounding her death, an alleged physical assault leading up to her passing, and the absence of accountability for the military members involved.
Just weeks prior to her death, the 27-year-old military police officer and mother of two boys reached out to her family with an emotional video call, detailing a physical assault by fellow soldiers inside a vehicle. Expressing her desire to leave the base, Montgomery Smith revealed various marks and bruises on her body during the call, further adding to the distress experienced by her family.
Despite the military ruling Montgomery Smith’s death on Aug. 9, 2022, as a suicide, her family and their attorney, Lindsey Knapp, have continued to push for a deeper investigation by federal authorities. Knapp, who is also the executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Combat Sexual Assault, emphasized that Montgomery Smith’s case is indicative of a larger issue within the military concerning the safety of soldiers, particularly in regards to retaliation after reporting assault.
The Army has refuted claims made by Montgomery Smith’s family, maintaining that there is no evidence to support allegations of sexual assault. Additionally, a 1,500-page report provided to the family regarding her death indicated a ligature mark and associated furrow on her neck, pointing to suicide as the cause of death. However, her family points to gaps in security camera recordings and orders from the Army forbidding contact with the soldiers who allegedly assaulted Montgomery Smith as reasons for suspicion.
Seeking further support, Montgomery Smith’s family has called for a thorough investigation by the FBI, while also engaging in rallies and meetings with elected officials to raise awareness and seek accountability for her and other victims of assault. Ultimately, they continue to advocate for a fair and exhaustive examination of the circumstances surrounding Montgomery Smith’s death.
The family’s ongoing efforts to seek justice and transparency represent a broader conversation within the military community, shedding light on the need for thorough investigations and accountability in cases of alleged misconduct. They have also taken steps to ensure that Montgomery Smith’s memory lives on for her children, highlighting the lasting impact of her life and the efforts to seek closure and answers in the wake of their tragic loss.