NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has ordered policy revisions following the murder of Norfolk-based sailor Angelina Resendiz last year. The changes include implementing an “absent-unknown” status designation, along with barring the transfer of sailors who are under investigation for sex crimes.
Resendiz, a 21-year-old culinary specialist assigned to the USS James E. Williams, was reported to be unauthorized leave after she failed to show up for duty on May 30, 2025.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service joined the investigation after receiving a tip from Norfolk Police, and her remains were found June 9, 2025 in the Broad Creek section of Norfolk. Fellow sailor Jermiah Copeland was subsequently arrested and convicted of her murder…