True Crime Garage: Jason Landry – Part 1

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Episode: Jason Landry /// Part 1 /// 860
Hosts: Nic and the Captain

Introduction

In this gripping episode of True Crime Garage, hosts Nic and the Captain delve into the mysterious disappearance of Jason Landry, a young Texas State University student who vanished under perplexing circumstances on December 13, 2020. This detailed exploration examines the timeline, evidence, and theories surrounding Jason's disappearance, offering listeners an immersive journey into one of the most baffling true crime cases.

Case Overview

Jason Landry, born on July 29, 1999, was a vibrant, outgoing individual known for his charismatic personality and love for music, cars, and the outdoors. On December 13, 2020, at approximately 10:55 PM, Jason left his apartment in San Marcos, Texas, intending to drive home to Missouri City for the holiday break. However, he never reached his destination.

Timeline of Events

10:55 PM – Departure from San Marcos
Jason departed from his apartment, embarking on a roughly 165-mile journey to Missouri City. His Nissan Altima was loaded with essentials, including toiletries, a laptop, a PlayStation game console, and marijuana concealed in a pill container.

11:00 PM – FaceTime Conversation
An hour before departure, Jason had a FaceTime call with a friend in Missouri City, during which he appeared joyful and excited about the trip. "He smiles multiple times. He seems obviously excited," notes Nic, reflecting on the absence of any immediate red flags.

11:24 PM – On the Road
Jason was about half an hour into his drive when he entered Lawling from Texas 80, continuing south through small towns like Stairtown, Prairie Lee, and Fentress. His digital footprint indicated active communication, including Snapchat interactions and continued use of navigation apps like Waze.

11:28 PM – Calming Snapshot
A Snapchat selfie sent to his ex-girlfriend showed Jason looking calm and confident, contradicting the chaos that would soon unfold. "It doesn't appear that if... everything is fine at this time," Nic observes, highlighting the stark contrast between Jason's demeanor and the subsequent events.

11:34 PM – Alleged Accident
Authorities believe that Jason crashed his car into a tree and barbed wire fence around this time. The vehicle showed significant damage, with the rear window shattered and no evidence of another vehicle involved, adding layers of mystery to the case.

12:31 AM – Discovery of the Vehicle
A volunteer firefighter found Jason's abandoned car at 12:31 AM in the 2300 block of Salt Flat Road. The vehicle was wedged against a tree, facing the wrong direction, with headlights still on and keys in the ignition. Unusual findings included Jason's belongings scattered nearby, such as his backpack, wallet, laptop, and a dead Siamese fighting fish named Sparky.

Key Evidence and Findings

1. Clothing and Personal Items:

   • Clothing was found neatly piled on the road, including a faded red T-shirt, Nike shorts, gray underwear with a blood stain, black slide sandals, and two socks.
   • Jason's black backpack contained toiletries, his laptop, PlayStation game console, and marijuana.

2. Siamese Fighting Fish – Sparky:

   • Sparky was found dead in a plastic tumbler near the crash site, indicating someone had been in the vicinity post-accident.

3. Digital Footprint:

   • Last digital interactions occurred minutes before the crash, with no subsequent activity, leaving a significant information gap.

4. Vehicle Condition:

   • The car was severely damaged, especially the rear end, leading investigators to believe it impacted something substantial. However, no other vehicle evidence was found at the scene.

Discussions and Insights

Nic emphasizes the perplexing nature of the case:
"Why would Jason remove his belongings from the vehicle but leave the keys in the ignition and keep the headlights on?"

The Captain adds his perspective on Jason's state:
"He was in his early 20s. We all make stupid mistakes," suggesting possible impairment due to substance use.

Emotional and Psychological Factors:
Jason's father, Kent Landry, described his son as a pure extrovert who struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jason retreated into substance use as a coping mechanism, which might have influenced his judgment on the night of his disappearance.

Potential Theories Discussed:

1. Impaired Driving:

   • Jason was possibly under the influence of marijuana, leading to distracted or impaired driving, as evidenced by his active use of phone apps while driving.

2. Accidental Impact:

   • The severe damage to the vehicle suggests a high-impact collision, whether with a stationary object like a tree or an unseen animal.

3. Disorientation and Panic:

   • Navigating unfamiliar or rural roads at night without clear direction could have led to disorientation, resulting in the crash.

4. Potential Foul Play:

   • Although no evidence points to another vehicle, the scattered items and the severity of the crash have led to speculation about possible external interference.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Captain at [00:00]:
  "This is a true story. It happened right here in my town. One night, 17 kids woke up, got out of bed, walked into the dark. And they never came back."

• Nic at [04:04]:
  "A reward is a tool like any other to hopefully motivate the one person who might know something."

• Captain at [14:13]:
  "I have a lot of thoughts on this, but this is brought up a lot... I don't know what the thoughts are as far as his emotional state on his disappearance..."

• Nic at [16:07]:
  "With anybody, again, not just Jason's case, but with anybody."

• Nic at [35:16]:
  "He’s got his Siamese fighting fish, Sparky... he was using his Waze app to guide him on his route."

• Captain at [46:42]:
  "But a couple things. One, when they do the investigation initially... Maybe they just didn't collect them."

Insights into Jason's Life and Personality

Jason was not only dedicated to his studies but also had a knack for balancing work and leisure. His interests ranged from music and instruments to recreational activities, embodying the essence of a typical college student navigating the complexities of young adulthood. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on his mental health, pushing him towards isolation and substance use as coping mechanisms.

Open Questions and Future Investigation

As Nic and the Captain conclude Part 1 of this case, several unanswered questions remain:

• What exactly caused the crash?
  With no evidence of another vehicle, the cause of the severe damage to Jason's car remains unclear.

• Why were Jason's belongings scattered outside the vehicle?
  This anomaly suggests foul play or a chaotic response post-accident.

• Is there more to Jason's final hours than what digital footprints indicate?
  Understanding his state of mind and any hidden interactions could shed light on his disappearance.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Jason Landry presents a complex puzzle with multiple layers of mystery. Hosts Nic and the Captain meticulously dissect the available evidence, timelines, and testimonies, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case. As the investigation unfolds, True Crime Garage promises to continue unraveling the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Jason's vanishing, inviting listeners to become armchair detectives in pursuit of the truth.

Stay Tuned for Part 2:
Join Nic and the Captain in the next episode as they continue to explore the baffling disappearance of Jason Landry, delving deeper into the evidence and uncovering new leads that may bring closure to this haunting mystery.