A candlelight vigil was held near where Jason Landry, a Texas State student, crashed his car and went missing on Salt Flat Road in Luling, TX, marking the fifth year since Landry disappeared.
Landry’s crashed 2003 Nissan Altima was found shortly after he went missing on Dec. 13, 2020. Since then, there has been little to no trace of the student beside his clothes, according to Texas Monthly. The vigil took place on Dec. 12, with many individuals, marked by bright yellow shirts, who were members of the search team for Landry.
Members of the search team stated they conduct searches around the area for Landry on certain weekends. Jason Watts, a member of the search team, said they would be in the area to continue the search the day following the vigil.
“Every time we come out here, especially at night, I just think back to that first night, when there was nothing here but me in the cold looking for Jason,” Kent Landry, Jason Landry’s father, said in a speech given during the vigil. “It’s been 1,824 days today that Jason went missing, and through all of those days, through all of that time together, we have waited to find out what happened. In many ways we are still just as far away as we were from that very first night.”
The vigil had speeches from those who were close to Landry, such as his aunts, parents and former youth pastor.
Lisa Landry, Jason Landry’s mother, noted in her speech that they had received a large amount of help from the community, including initiatives, fundraising, creating merchandise such as tote bags to spread the message, and providing support to the family.
“I can’t believe it’s been five years. I never thought we’d be here. I never thought we’d have so much support, and I never thought that support would be so strong after 5 years,” Lisa Landry said. “All of y’all, and so many people, have done so many things for us.”
Landry’s car was found by a volunteer firefighter; his clothes and backpack were discovered and left on the road by other officers on the scene. Kent Landry later arrived at the site of the crash, noting no search for his son, and was the first to collect his son’s belongings. Further, Kent Landry also had trouble contacting law enforcement, according to Fox 7 Austin.
Members of the search team provided advice on what the community can do to contribute to the ongoing search.
“The biggest thing I think the public can do is continue to share the story. Keep it in the limelight. Keep Jason’s name out there,” Watts said. “You never know when it might stir the heart of somebody who might have information, and they may come forward.”
Spencer Graham, a newer member of the search team, stated that she had no idea about the case prior to hearing about the case through a friend from CrimeCon, an event that covers stories and technologies relating to true crime.
“We need definitely more people local, or even just surrounding areas,” Graham said. “The more people, the more ground that we can cover.”
The vigil ended with the lighting of candles and a word of prayer. There were multiple prayers throughout the vigil, and people were encouraged to pray for the Landry family.
“I think praying, really, is the biggest deal for the Landry’s right now.” Kimberly Lemer, a member of the search team, said. “Lisa [Landry] and I have been best friends since seventh grade, and I think I can speak pretty confidently for her that the prayers mean so much.”
The searches for Landry are set to continue, according to Watts. If anyone has any information regarding the case, they are encouraged to contact the Attorney General of Texas at 512-936-0742 or to call anonymously at 726-777-1359. Alternatively, information and tips can be reported online at the Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit Tipline.
