A former U.S. Army soldier, Shannon Wilkerson, was convicted of second-degree murder in the decades-old killing of a pregnant soldier, 19-year-old Pfc. Amanda Gonzales, in Hanau, Germany in November 2001. Gonzales’ body was found in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne after she failed to show up for work as a cook. Wilkerson was believed to be the father of Gonzales’ unborn child at the time of the murder. The FBI’s Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan Jr. stated that Wilkerson brutally murdered Gonzales and that the conviction is a testament to the FBI’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crimes, regardless of how long it takes.
Wilkerson, who was discharged from active duty in 2004, was arrested on Feb. 23, 2023, and charged under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, which allows U.S. federal courts to have jurisdiction over crimes committed outside the country by former servicemembers no longer subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He is set to be sentenced on Aug. 8 and faces life in prison for the murder of Gonzales. The conviction highlights the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served for victims of violent crimes, even after many years have passed since the crime occurred.
The verdict in Wilkerson’s trial marks the end of a long quest for justice for Amanda Gonzales, who was brutally beaten and strangled to death while she was four months pregnant. Her tragic murder was finally solved after 22 years, emphasizing the commitment of the FBI and its partners to pursuing justice for victims, no matter how much time has passed. The conviction of Wilkerson serves as an example of the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes, ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
The murder of Amanda Gonzales shook the community and remained an unsolved cold case for over two decades until the arrest and subsequent conviction of Wilkerson. The brutal nature of the crime, coupled with the fact that Gonzales was pregnant with Wilkerson’s child at the time, added a layer of complexity to the case. The conviction of Wilkerson brings closure to Gonzales’ family and loved ones, who have waited for justice to be served for so long. The efforts of law enforcement agencies in solving this cold case demonstrate their dedication to seeking justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Wilkerson’s upcoming sentencing on Aug. 8 will see him face the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison for the murder of Amanda Gonzales. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, even if it takes years to bring them to justice. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in solving cold cases and ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve are essential in maintaining the safety and security of communities and serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.