A chilling case has unfolded at Naval Station Norfolk, where 21-year-old Navy sailor Angelina “Angie” Resendiz was found dead in a wooded area, weeks after her mysterious disappearance. The discovery has left her family and the public in shock, with an additional Navy sailor now in custody in connection with her death.
The Disappearance of Angie Resendiz
Angie Resendiz, a culinary specialist aboard the USS James E. Williams, was last seen on the morning of May 29 at her barracks in Miller Hall. Her mother, Esmeralda Castle, immediately became concerned when Angie failed to report for work, which was out of character for her. “My daughter doesn’t miss work,” Esmeralda shared with ABC News, expressing her deep concern. “Sick, snow, feeling down, she shows up.”
As the days passed and no word from Angie came through, police quickly recognized the severity of the situation, noting that “this disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety.” Authorities began a widespread search for the missing sailor, but it wasn’t until June 9, over a week later, that the heartbreaking discovery was made.
A Devastating Discovery
On June 9, authorities located a body in a wooded area in Norfolk. The next day, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) confirmed that the remains were those of Angie Resendiz. The confirmation of her death has been devastating for her family, particularly her mother, who had feared this outcome since her daughter went missing.
Chilling Developments and Arrests
In the wake of this tragedy, a new development has come to light: another Navy sailor has been placed in pretrial confinement in connection with Angie’s death. NCIS has not released the name of the individual, and charges are still pending under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. “NCIS remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic death of Seaman Resendiz to ensure accountability and justice,” the agency stated in a press release.
Angie’s Dreams and Legacy
Originally from Texas, Angie Resendiz joined the Navy in 2023, just after graduating high school, with high hopes for her future. She served as a culinary specialist aboard the USS James E. Williams and dreamed of one day cooking for world leaders, including the president. According to her mother, Esmeralda, Angie was not just hardworking but also warm, kind, and compassionate — qualities that left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
“She’s fun, loving, kind, compassionate, uplifting,” her mother described her, clearly heartbroken over the loss. Angie’s family and friends described her as someone who made life brighter for those around her, and the news of her death has left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Concerns About the Military’s Response
Following Angie’s disappearance, her mother became vocal about the lack of transparency and urgency in the military’s response. A GoFundMe page set up in Angie’s memory has highlighted concerns that the Navy did not act swiftly enough to find her. The page raised critical questions about the Navy’s handling of such cases, particularly regarding how the military responds when women in uniform go missing.
With over $12,000 raised, the campaign serves both as a tribute to Angie and as a call for reform in how missing persons cases are handled by the military. “Since her disappearance, the United States Navy has been quiet and ambiguous about searching for Angie,” the GoFundMe post reads. “With all of the technology at the Navy’s disposal, there is no reason for a sailor to go missing or stay missing.”
USS James E. Williams / Public Domain
A Legacy of Advocacy and Reform
Angie’s tragic death has sparked a wider conversation about how the military handles missing persons cases, particularly for women in uniform. Her family is now pushing for major changes in how the U.S. Navy and other branches of the military respond to these situations, advocating for better transparency, faster response times, and clearer communication with the families of missing service members.
As the investigation into her death continues, Angie’s family remains determined to seek justice and ensure that her story is not forgotten. Her memory will live on through the advocacy of those who loved her, and the reforms they hope will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
RIP, Angie. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
