Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

Login Options

2:29 p.m. • 2-12-12

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Mon: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 50° F
  • Tue: Rain.
    • Hi: 53° F
  • Wed: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 57° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Marketplace Links

Social Links

Main Menu

Charred remains belong to missing Army nurse


e-mail print friendly
Holley Wimunc
Holley Wimunc

Charred remains found in Onslow County last weekend have been identified as those of an Army nurse who was declared missing eight days ago after her Fayetteville apartment was set on fire.

An autopsy determined the cause of 2nd Lt. Holley Wimunc's death, but authorities declined to disclose it, citing the ongoing criminal investigation. Wimunc's estranged husband, Marine Cpl. John Wimunc, has been charged with her murder.

The identification came the same day that Fort Bragg officials held a roundtable to tout the military's programs to  prevent domestic violence.

Holley Wimunc had taken out a protective order against her estranged husband in May, claiming that he held a gun to her head and choked her.

Fort Bragg officials acknowledged that long deployments can stress a couple that had marital problems to begin with, but they said there is no evidence of an increase in domestic abuse cases on the post.

"I don't think there's anything intrinsic in the military deployment or military experience that makes a man or woman more prone to domestic violence," said Capt. David Mikkelson, a chaplain who recently returned from a 15-month deployment to Iraq.

Col. Ed Crandell of Womack Army Medical Center, where Holley Wimunc was a nurse, said there is no documentation that domestic violence rates are higher in the military than in civilian life.

"In fact, in some cases, I think the rate may be even less," Crandell said.

Representatives from Army Community Service said the Army has far more programs than any civilian workplace to address domestic violence, such as a victim-advocate hotline at Fort Bragg that abused spouses can call anonymously.

"They can establish a safety plan. We do 100 percent safety planning with all the victims that come to us. They also can accompany the victim to court (and) show them how to fill out a restraining order," victim advocacy coordinator Jeri Bourn said.

Holley Wimunc is the second female soldier stationed at Fort Bragg to be killed in the last month.

Spc. Megan Touma's body was found June 21 in a Fayetteville motel room. No one has been arrested in the case, though a Fort Bragg soldier was questioned.

In 2002, four wives at Fort Bragg were killed in a span of six weeks by their husbands, who had recently returned from deployments.

Since then, Fort Bragg's victim-advocate program has added nine staffers – up from one – who make home visits. The Army also now sends mental health advisory teams to combat.

All soldiers must undergo a mental health screening before and after deployment. They're also reassessed 90 to 120 days after coming home, and the results determine whether they are referred to a counselor.

"If we were to walk away from this with the conclusion that we've done everything we can possibly do, that would be incorrect. We can always do more," Crandell said.

RELATED TOPICS: Fort Bragg, Onslow County, Fayetteville

e-mail print friendly

6 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments VIEW ALL 6 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
OK. Why are they telling us who it was? They knew who it was. They arrested the ex and his friend.

I just do not understand why she didnt go to court. Had she done that his chain of command would have kept a closer eye on him.So sad

every one has their own opinion... and RIP

RIP

Sketch - I've noted how law enforcement had sufficient evidence to very quickly charge the husband in this case, and not in the Cooper case.

Maybe the GOLO quarterbacks feel their inestimable services are no longer needed here. *sigh*

View Comments VIEW ALL 6 COMMENTS
Report It

Multimedia

Click Here