CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C. – The picturesque Cape Lookout National Seashore off the coast of North Carolina is known for its wild horses and stunning vistas. However, in 2020, it became the setting for a tragic homicide involving a young paratrooper from the elite 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg.
Enrique Roman-Martinez, a lover of good food and video games, had a big heart, according to his sister Griselda. She described him as a very good kid, but also very shy. Roman-Martinez joined the military at 17 and initially enjoyed his service, but eventually expressed dissatisfaction with his experience.
During a camping trip at the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Roman-Martinez went missing, triggering a search that ended with the discovery of his head washing ashore a week later. The circumstances surrounding his death raised concerns and criticism for how the Army handled the investigation, prompting lawmaker Rep. Norma Torres to advocate for improvements in communication and handling of similar cases in the military.
In response to the case, the Army established a centralized cold case unit in 2022, aiming to review unsolved homicides dating back several decades. The unit has already identified dozens of cold cases and has been working to overcome challenges such as missing documents and deceased witnesses.
Despite the changes in Washington and the Army, no one has been charged in Roman-Martinez’s death. His family remains hopeful for a resolution, filing a lawsuit against the Army for its handling of the investigation. The Army is offering a $50,000 reward for credible information concerning the circumstances surrounding Roman-Martinez’s death.
The soldiers who were with Roman-Martinez during the camping trip are no longer in the Army, having faced charges but not for homicide. As his family continues to seek justice, the mysterious death of Roman-Martinez continues to cast a shadow over the Cape Lookout National Seashore.