Ex-Corrections Officer Accused of Murdering Wife, Forcing Children to Assist
Police allege Jonathan G Houston strangled his wife and directed some of their seven children to participate in the act, while others were confined.
A former corrections officer, Jonathan G Houston, 44, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection with the death of his wife, Aunika Houston. Authorities allege that Houston strangled his wife and forced their children to assist in the act, while the three youngest were held in a bathroom.
Law enforcement received a call on October 4 from one of Houston's children, who reported that her father had held her and her six siblings captive for an unspecified period and had subjected them to physical abuse. Police traced the call to a hotel in Kingdom City, Missouri, where they encountered Houston and entered his room. Inside, officers found seven children.
According to court documents, one child told deputies that Houston had killed his wife approximately 10 months prior. Another child recounted that her father had stated his intention to kill their mother and witnessed the strangulation. The child further alleged that Houston instructed one sibling to pour hot water on their mother's legs during the assault and another to cover her mouth. The three youngest children were reportedly placed in a bathroom with music playing to mask the mother's screams.
Investigators believe Houston disposed of his wife's body in a trash bag, which was then placed in a dumpster on the hotel property. Aunika Houston, 37, had not been reported missing prior to the children's disclosure to authorities.
In an interview with police, Houston allegedly confessed to killing his wife and admitted to planning the act. The chief deputy of the Callaway County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a "very unfortunate act of domestic violence."
Family members remembered Aunika Houston as "a beautiful soul that lived, loved and left an everlasting impact." A statement from a family member shared on social media expressed heartbreak over her absence but comfort in memories of her laughter, love, and the moments she shared. The family is requesting thoughts and prayers as they grieve and seek justice.
Houston, who previously worked as a parole and probation officer, is also reportedly under prior investigations for sexual assault and assault of other victims. He is currently being held without bond at the Callaway County Jail.