In a deeply unsettling case that has shaken the Navy community and the nation, 21-year-old Navy sailor Angelina “Angie” Resendiz disappeared without a trace from her barracks at Naval Station Norfolk, leaving behind a trail of questions, heartache, and now, a tragic ending. Weeks after her sudden disappearance, authorities have confirmed that Resendiz has been found dead, and a fellow sailor is currently in custody in connection with her death.
Angie was last seen on the morning of May 29 around 10 a.m. in her barracks at Miller Hall, located at the Norfolk naval station. At the time, there was no indication that anything was wrong — but as hours turned into days, concern grew rapidly, especially for her mother, Esmeralda Castle. From the beginning, Esmeralda feared the worst. She knew her daughter well — dependable, disciplined, and never one to miss her duties. “My daughter doesn’t miss work,” she told ABC News. “Sick, snow, feeling down, she shows up.” Angie’s commitment to her responsibilities only made her disappearance all the more alarming.
Authorities shared Esmeralda’s concerns, treating Angie’s case with the gravity it deserved. Police quickly issued a warning, saying, “This disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety as determined by the investigating agency.” The urgency was clear, and search efforts were launched immediately.
On Monday, June 9, the investigation took a heartbreaking turn. A body was discovered in a wooded area in Norfolk. The very next day, authorities confirmed the worst possible news — the remains found were those of Angelina “Angie” Resendiz. The confirmation came from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the agency leading the case. For Esmeralda and the Resendiz family, their worst fears had become a devastating reality.
As the investigation continues, the case has taken yet another chilling development. NCIS has confirmed that another Navy sailor is now in custody in connection with Angie’s death. This individual has been placed in pretrial confinement, though their name has not yet been released to the public. In a statement, NCIS said, “Charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are pending. NCIS remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic death of Seaman Resendiz to ensure accountability and justice.”
Angie Resendiz was originally from Texas and served as a culinary specialist aboard the USS James E. Williams, according to Navy records. She joined the Navy in 2023, shortly after graduating from high school, with dreams that extended far beyond her hometown. For Angie, serving wasn’t just about wearing the uniform — it was a deeply personal mission. Her mother described her motivation with pride: “It wasn’t just a job to her. She thought that one day she might be able to cook for the president and other world leaders. She worked really hard on her ship.”
Beyond her professional ambitions, Angie was a light in the lives of those who knew her. “She’s fun, loving, kind, compassionate, uplifting,” her mother said. Friends and family alike described her as someone who made others feel seen, appreciated, and loved. Her disappearance sent shockwaves not only through her family but also through the broader Navy community and beyond.
In the days following her disappearance, troubling details started to surface. Esmeralda Castle recalled that people close to Angie had told her something that raised even more concern. “People that care about Angie shared with me that the last person she was with was missing with her,” Castle said. “That person showed up Monday but not Angie.” It was an unsettling clue — and one that now appears to have taken on new meaning as the investigation moves forward.
To honor Angie’s memory and push for meaningful change, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign. What began as a way to raise awareness and help with search efforts has now become a powerful call for reform. The fundraiser describes Esmeralda Castle as a mother determined to challenge the system, particularly how the U.S. military handles missing persons cases involving women in uniform.
“Since her disappearance, the United States Navy has been quiet and ambiguous about searching for Angie,” the fundraiser states. It goes on to highlight the family’s frustrations with the perceived lack of transparency and urgency in the early stages of the investigation. “With all of the technology at the Navy’s disposal, there is no reason for a sailor to go missing or stay missing. The Naval base is in a wooded area, and NCIS has refused to tell Angie’s mother anything about the search.”
This outcry has resonated with many, as people across the country express sorrow, support, and a desire to see real changes in the way the military responds to such tragedies. To date, the campaign has raised over \$12,000, not just to assist the family, but also to elevate Angie’s story so that no other family has to endure the same anguish without answers.
The story of Angelina “Angie” Resendiz is more than just a tragic loss — it’s a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that those who serve our country deserve the utmost protection, transparency, and support, both in life and in death. Angie had dreams, ambition, and a heart full of love. Her story has touched thousands and ignited important conversations about the treatment and safety of women in the military.
Rest in peace, Angie. Your light continues to shine through the people who loved you, and your story is driving a movement that will not be silenced. Your family’s fight for justice is now a rallying cry, and your legacy will live on — not just in memory, but in action. Our hearts go out to your family. May they find strength in the love you gave and the purpose they now carry forward in your name.
