CALDWELL COUNTY, Texas — Local law enforcement agencies are continuing to try to help Jason Landry's family find some closure.
"It's been over 300 days that we've been kind of living that same nightmare," said Kent Landry, Jason Landry's father.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) returned to Caldwell County on Saturday, Oct. 16, for a one-day search for Jason Landry, a Texas State University student who has been missing since Dec. 13, 2020.
The team examined areas of interest identified through the use of artificial intelligence and geospatial tools.
"Through the use of artificial intelligence analysis and data analysis, we've identified 86 points of interest in the search for missing person Jason Landry," said Jeff Ferry, a captain with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office.
Other resources for the search included search-and-rescue dogs, drones, horses and a team of about 50 volunteers.
The last major search for Landry was conducted in February and involved more than 100 TEXSAR volunteers. Through data from past searches, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office identified points of interest that needed to be searched further. After the search, there was still no clear answer.
Despite this, Kent Landry is thankful officials haven't given up on his son.
"For a small town like Luling, it means a lot to the people around here to get answers for our family, even though we're not from here," Kent Landry said.
Earlier this year, investigators gained access to the missing student’s phone and computer data. Here is what they discovered:
- Investigators believe Jason Landry left his San Marcos apartment around 10:55 p.m. on Dec. 13 with intent to travel to the Missouri City, Texas, area, where his parents live.
- At 11:05 p.m., he drove onto Highway 80 and passed under Interstate 35 in San Marcos. He continued south, entering Caldwell County at 11:07 p.m.
- At 11:11 p.m., he was in Martindale, continuing south on Highway 80. He passed over SH 130 at 11:15 p.m.
- At 11:17 p.m., he was in Fentress, entering Prarie Lea at 11:19 p.m., then the Stairtown area at 11:21 p.m.
- At 11:24 p.m., he entered Luling, still on Highway 180. As he went through the intersection with Hackberry Street where Highway 80 becomes Austin Street, he quit using the Waze mapping application and began using Snapchat on his phone. He then continued on Austin Street to the intersection with US 183 (Magnolia Avenue).
It's believed Jason Landry continued straight through this intersection, but his digital footprint stops there. Investigators think he continued on East Austin and onto Sprice Street, which turns into Salt Flat Road. His vehicle was found there on the 2300 block around 12:31 a.m.
TEXSAR has worked more than 2,000 hours on this case and covered 1,336 miles of ground. An additional 655 volunteer hours have been spent analyzing data and leads.
“TEXSAR remains a steadfast partner with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office on this case. We have dug deep to tap into outside resources and expertise to help in the Jason Landry case and we have not given up,” TEXSAR President and CEO Justin McInnis said. “While we appreciate the man hours and energy put into this effort, I think we all share in the frustrations associated with a case like this. We remain grateful for the cooperation of landowners in the area and the prayers of our community. The goal has been and will continue to be to seek the truth and find Jason Landry.”
Portions of Salt Flat Road were closed for the duration of the search on Saturday.
Anyone with any information on Jason Landry’s disappearance is asked to contact Captain Jeff Ferry with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 512-956-6727.
There is a $10,000 reward for information that helps investigators find Jason Landry.
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