Nearly six years after Jason Landry disappeared while driving home from Texas State University, authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered in Caldwell County belong to the missing student.
Landry was 21 when he vanished on December 13, 2020. His disappearance sparked an extensive search involving law enforcement agencies, professional search teams and community volunteers across the area near Luling, Texas.
On September 23, 2026, the Texas Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit announced that DNA testing had conclusively identified recently discovered remains as Landry’s.
Jason Landry Death Confirmed
Landry’s family had spent nearly six years waiting for answers after his disappearance.
According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, a local resident discovered human remains on September 8, 2026, east of Salt Flat Road, between Soda Springs and Biggs Road in Caldwell County.
The University of North Texas Center for Human Identification conducted DNA testing that confirmed the remains belonged to Landry. His family was subsequently notified of the identification.
The discovery brings confirmation of Landry’s fate after years of uncertainty, although important questions surrounding his death remain unanswered.
Jason Landry at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jason Landry |
| Age when he disappeared | 21 |
| University | Texas State University |
| Disappearance | December 13, 2020 |
| Remains discovered | September 8, 2026 |
| Discovery location | Caldwell County, Texas |
| Identification | Confirmed through DNA |
| Testing agency | University of North Texas Center for Human Identification |
| Cause of death | Not determined |
| Foul play | No indication found by investigators |
What Happened to Jason Landry?
Landry disappeared while traveling from San Marcos to his family’s home in Missouri City for the holidays.
Shortly after midnight on December 13, 2020, authorities discovered his crashed and abandoned vehicle on Salt Flat Road near Luling.
Several of his personal belongings, including clothing, were found around the crash site. Despite extensive searches conducted over the following years, investigators and volunteers were unable to locate Landry.
The case remained open and continued to receive attention from investigators and members of the public who participated in repeated searches.
Six-Year Search Ends With DNA Identification
The breakthrough came when a Caldwell County resident discovered human remains in September 2026.
The location was near the area where Landry’s vehicle had originally been found, although officials said the remains were outside the areas that had previously been searched.
The Texas Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit had continued reviewing leads and conducting ground and aerial searches after taking over the investigation in 2022. The unit worked with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Search and Rescue.
Citizen volunteers also devoted significant time and resources to the search.
Cause of Death Remains Unknown
Despite the identification, investigators have not determined exactly how Jason Landry died.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office said the skeletal remains did not provide additional insight into the cause or manner of death.
Authorities also said they have found no indication of foul play. That means the circumstances surrounding Landry’s death remain unresolved, even though his identity has now been established.
For that reason, it would be premature to describe his death as a homicide or accident unless investigators provide additional evidence.
A Disappearance That Drew Years of Attention
Landry’s disappearance generated a major search effort throughout Caldwell County.
His abandoned vehicle and belongings provided investigators with important clues, but extensive searches of surrounding fields and wooded areas failed to locate him for years.
The case also attracted attention from volunteers who continued searching and sharing information about Landry long after the initial investigation.
The discovery of his remains now provides his family with confirmation of what happened to his whereabouts, while leaving the circumstances of his death open for further investigation.
Family Responds to Identification
Landry’s family has been notified of the DNA identification and has asked for privacy.
In a statement shared through the family’s missing-person account, relatives expressed grief over his death while also thanking law enforcement officers, volunteer searchers and others who continued helping to look for Jason throughout the nearly six-year search.
The family had continued to keep Landry’s name and disappearance in the public eye through vigils and appeals for information.
Investigation Remains Open
The identification of the remains does not necessarily close every question surrounding the case.
Authorities still have not established the cause or manner of Landry’s death, and the Attorney General’s Office said additional information would be released as appropriate.
For the Landry family, however, the discovery represents a significant development after years of uncertainty about what happened to their son.
Jason Landry was 21 when he disappeared. Nearly six years later, authorities have finally confirmed that the remains found near Luling belong to him.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and reports from Texas news organizations. Jason Landry’s identity has been conclusively confirmed through DNA testing, but authorities have not determined his cause or manner of death. Investigators have reported no indication of foul play, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.