Man Charged; Victim Identified in Tuesday’s Fatal Shooting in Grimes County

It’s been nearly six years since the disappearance of Texas State University student Jason Landry. The 21-year-old left San Marcos on December 13, 2020 headed towards his home in Missouri City for Christmas break. His car was found in the early morning hours of December 14th, crashed and abandoned off Salt Flat Road in Luling. Exhaustive searches by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Equiisearch, using helicopters with infrared cameras, UAVs (drones), side-scan sonar, scent dogs, as well as searchers on foot, ATVs and horseback. A dog briefly tracked his scent to a nearby cattle guard before losing it. Landry’s clothes were found scattered, leading investigators to believe he was experiencing hypothermia. On September 8, 2026, a Luling resident spotted human remains in a heavily wooded area east of Salt Flat Road, between Soda Springs and Biggs Road. It was roughly 3.5 miles south of the original crash site. The remains were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (“UNTCHI”) where DNA analysis confirmed that the remains belonged to Landry. Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Cold Case Unit announced the results today. The remains do not provide additional insight into the cause or manner of death. Investigators have found no indication of foul play. “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,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My Cold Case Unit will continue fighting to solve cases and bring closure on behalf of Texas families and victims.” Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Friday Night Lights will burn brighter in College Station this week. More than bragging rights are on the line for the Crosstown Showdown as College Station High School hosts A&M Consolidated. The game is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 7:00 pm at CSHS’s Cougar Stadium at 4002 Victoria Avenue. In conjunction with the game, the College Station ISD Education Foundation will host the Kick 4 College Cash during halftime where two students will have the opportunity to kick a field goal to win a $1,000 scholarship from the Foundation for college or vocational school. Senior Elizabeth Garrett will represent AMCHS. Senior Andres Martinez-Salazar will represent CSHS. Each student will get one attempt to kick a 10-yard field goal to win a $1,000 scholarship. Even if they miss, they won’t go home empty-handed – each will receive a $100 VISA gift card courtesy of H-E-B Tower Point. “This event is a fun way to celebrate our students and shine a spotlight on their futures,” said Amy Heye, Executive Director of the CSISD Education Foundation. “We’re excited to give two students the chance to earn scholarship money while celebrating the school spirit that makes CSISD so special.” Established in 1999, the College Station ISD Education Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports nearly 14,000 students and 2,000 teachers and staff at 19 campuses. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

On Monday, a man was sentenced to 50 years in prison following an investigation that began after a teenager discovered a hidden camera in a bathroom. 46-year-old Justin Elliott Lee pleaded guilty to five counts involving illegal images of a minor. Prosecutors say Lee also admitted guilt to five additional counts and an aggravated offense involving a child. The investigation began in August 2024, when the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in North Zulch after authorities were notified that a 15-year-old had discovered a hidden camera in a family bathroom. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Lee’s phone and reported finding images and recordings of the teenager. According to prosecutors, investigators also recovered recordings showing Lee placing cameras facing the shower. Another hidden camera was found in the living room, where the teenager had been sleeping. Madison County Sheriff’s Investigator Carly Foster led the investigation, with assistance from investigators Steve Jeter and Blake Baldobino. District Judge David Moorman sentenced Lee to a total of 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Lee must serve half of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Lee, who prosecutors say had no prior criminal history, remains in the Madison County Jail awaiting transfer to state prison. Madison County District Attorney Courtney Cain said, “The victim in this case showed such strength and courage. She was being sexually abused and recorded by someone she trusted. I am thankful that the victim did not have to testify and relive this trauma. I am also glad that the Defendant is off the streets of Madison County for a long time and where he deserves to be – prison!” Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.