Alvarado on dedication of Vanessa Guillén Memorial Highway: 'Her story has had a great impact on our community and the nation'

The late U.S. Army specialist Vanessa Guillén grew up near the intersection of Winkler Drive and Monroe Road in South Houston.

On Saturday – a little more than two years after her disappearance and murder – that part of Highway 3 hosted a ceremony for the dedication of the Vanessa Guillén Memorial Highway, Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported. 

KRIV reported that the intersection now bears signage for the newly christened highway.

A piece of legislation approved by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott last year, Senate Bill (SB) 1185, paved the way for the Vanessa Guillén Memorial Highway, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported.

Among the sponsors of the measure was State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston).

“While many of us did not have the honor of knowing Vanessa, her story has had a great impact on our community and the nation,” Alvarado said, KHOU reported. “The dedication of this highway will ensure that Vanessa's memory will continue to shine bright in Harris County."

According to Guillén’s sister, Mayra, the site of the dedication means a lot to the slain soldier’s family.

"This is where I get my coffee every morning," Mayra Guillén said in an emotional tweet, per KHOU. "What are the odds? Love you sis."

The highway joins numerous tributes in the area for Guillén, who was a graduate of Chavez High School.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that 20 local artists will work on a series of murals representing a year of her life.

KRIV reported that Guillén was killed by a fellow soldier at Fort Hood.

Per the station, an investigation revealed that she was the victim of sexual harassment and leaders failed to address the situation.

One person has been charged in Guillén’s death.

KTRK reported that authorities allege Cecily Aguilar helped her ex-boyfriend, Army Specialist Aaron Robinson, hide Guillén’s remains.

Robinson took his life when law enforcement attempted to arrest him, the station reported.