The remains of Jason Landry, a Texas State University student who disappeared after a car crash while traveling home for Christmas, have been identified nearly six years later. DNA testing confirmed that skeletal remains found by a resident in Caldwell County, approximately 50 miles outside Austin, on September 8 belonged to the 21-year-old, according to the Texas Attorney General’s Office on Wednesday.
Landry had been missing since December 13, 2020, when he crashed his Nissan Altima on a rural road in Luling and left the vehicle during his trip from San Marcos to his family’s home in Missouri City for the holidays. Investigators discovered Landry’s phone and wallet inside the car, along with some of his clothing scattered nearby.
Officials stated that the remains did not provide new information regarding the cause of Landry's death, and there were no indications of foul play. On September 18, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of skeletal remains found about a 10-minute drive from the crash site. A resident cutting grass on his property initially mistook the skull for a ball, according to sources.
Police, search teams, and volunteers conducted extensive searches of the area, utilizing both ground and aerial methods, with records from the Texas Department of Public Safety indicating that aircraft performed grid searches around Landry’s last known location. The remains were located outside the area designated for the search, despite over 30 searches conducted in the past six years.
In 2022, the Texas Attorney General’s Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit took over the investigation. Officials have notified Landry’s family of the identification. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton remarked on the significance of this development, stating, "This development marks a critical moment in a case that has weighed heavily on our hearts for nearly six years. The Landry family has suffered an unimaginable tragedy, and they will remain in our prayers, especially during this incredibly difficult time. My Cold Case Unit will continue fighting to solve cases and bring closure on behalf of Texas families and victims."
Shawn Hohnstreiter, co-founder of TEXSAR, a nonprofit search, rescue, and disaster response service, noted that volunteers dedicated numerous hours to searching for Landry, and that the case had become a significant part of their lives. After the remains were identified, Hohnstreiter visited a memorial for Landry near the crash site and left a challenge coin as a symbol of closure for the volunteers and respect for Landry. He stated, "This has been a big moment in all of our lives on the TEXSAR side for many years. It’s one I believe also deserves the respect."