WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are demanding answers from the U.S. Navy regarding the death of Seaman Angelina Resendiz, found dead June 9 in Norfolk after being reported missing for more than 10 days.
The senators seek a briefing “from relevant Navy and installation leadership” by Aug. 14. A Navy official told 10 On Your Side they have received the letter and are going through the process of responding to the senators.
Resendiz, a culinary specialist who had been assigned to the destroyer James E. Williams at Naval Station Norfolk, was initially reported missing May 29 and had last been seen in her barracks around 10 a.m., according to the Navy. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service confirmed June 10 the body found in a wooded area in Norfolk near the Broad Creek neighborhood was that of Resendiz.
The senators, in the letter, ask the Navy for a briefing and more information about the period of Resendiz’s disappearance and death, along with the Navy’s adherence to policies and procedures. They also have concerns with how public accounts of her remains when they arrived in Texas.
“We write to inquire about the Navy’s handling of the tragic death of Seaman Angelina P. Resendiz,” the senators said in a statement attributed to both of them. “While we acknowledge the Navy’s engagement with congressional offices to date, ongoing questions and concerns related to the period of her disappearance, the circumstances leading to her death, and the Navy’s policies and procedures throughout, demand answers.
“As the Navy continues its investigation, it is critical that you provide Congress with significantly greater detail about the circumstances of Seaman Resendiz’s disappearance and death, including a more fulsome accounting of the Navy’s engagement with Seaman Resendiz’s loved ones and fellow sailors who had raised concerns about her well-being.”
The communication between the Navy and Resendiz’s mother was something Kaine brought up specifically.
“Her mother claims that she was told that her daughter had been located, when that in fact was not the case,” Senator Kaine said.
It’s similar to what Resendiz’s mother has been asking for, as Esmeralda Castle has demanded transparency and accountability from the Navy.
Among the issues:
- A public timeline and accountability from the Navy and NCIS
- Disclosure of non-disclosure agreements service members were required to sign involving the case
- Collaboration on a civilian family guide
- Access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act for the Resendiz family, among others.
Warner and Kaine call for clarity on the Navy’s actions when it first learned of Resendiz’s absence, and its leaders’ following “a range of protocols and procedures.” They are asking for details on the investigative steps taken, by the Navy and NCIS, “as well as the interactions with local and Virginia State Police.”
“We reiterate our concern over the public accounts from the family about the grief and anger caused by the condition of Seaman Resendiz’s remains upon arrival in Texas,” the senators wrote. “We have serious questions as to what policies and procedures govern dignified transfer of remains after an investigation, and whether those were followed in this instance.”
Warner said that “if there were protocol mistakes, if there are procedural mistakes that need to be improved, we can learn from this tragedy.”
The full text of the letter can be read below:
