Remains of Texas College Student Who Vanished Six Years Ago Found

The remains of Jason Landry, a 21-year-old Texas college student who vanished nearly six years ago while driving home for Christmas break, have been found, officials announced Wednesday. A local resident discovered human remains on September 8 in Caldwell County, east of Salt Flat Road. DNA testing has conclusively identified the remains as Landry's, according to the Texas Attorney General's Office Cold Case Unit.

Landry was traveling from Texas State University to his hometown of Missouri City, near Houston, on December 13, 2020, a journey of approximately 165 miles. His vehicle was found crashed into a tree on a secluded road near Luling, about 30 minutes from the university, in the early hours of December 14, 2020. Authorities at the time determined it was a one-vehicle accident in temperatures around 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The car sustained damage to the rear driver-side trunk, bumper, and side.

Landry's wallet, cellphone, and a small amount of blood were found in and around the vehicle, but the student was nowhere to be seen. Search dogs traced his scent from the car to a nearby pond, but a subsequent draining of the pond yielded no trace of him. His disappearance left his parents in agonizing uncertainty for almost six years.

During the intervening years, the Attorney General's Office Cold Case Unit, in conjunction with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Search and Rescue, conducted numerous ground and aerial searches, reviewed new leads, and re-examined the case. Civilian volunteers also contributed significantly to the search efforts.

Investigators determined that Landry had packed his Nissan Altima for the trip, including a backpack with his laptop, gaming equipment, toiletries, a small amount of marijuana, and his pet fish, Sparky, in a tumbler. He had entered his directions into the Waze app.

Approximately 30 minutes into the journey, around 11:24 p.m., Landry's car entered Luling. Data shows that he stopped using Waze and, instead of following the intended route home, continued straight onto Salt Flat Road. His car was discovered crashed just 67 minutes later, with the keys still in the ignition and his phone inside.

Notably, some of Landry's clothing, including his underwear, shoes, and wristwatch, were found neatly placed on the gravel ground near the crash site, suggesting he may have undressed by the side of the road before disappearing into the night. His parents have suggested that a malfunctioning traffic app may have rerouted his navigation, leading him significantly off track.

"My best guess, he will follow Waze wherever it sends him... I don't know if he was trying to avoid a deer or what, swerved and hit some trees on the side," Landry's father, Kent, a pastor, told Fox 7. He added that authorities believed his son got out of the crash okay and was walking away from the vehicle.

Landry's remains were found approximately five miles south of the crash site. Investigators have stated there is no indication of foul play. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton acknowledged the discovery as a significant moment in a case that has deeply affected the Landry family. The family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support they received during the years of waiting and stated their comfort in knowing Jason is now with the Lord.