Former Missouri Officer Charged with Murder

A former probation and parole officer from Missouri, Jonathan G. Houston, 44, has been accused of killing his wife in front of their children, even allegedly involving them in the abuse. This tragic event reportedly unfolded about ten months ago, but it has only now come to light following a call to 911 from one of his children.

The child, staying at a hotel with her siblings, discreetly informed dispatch that her father had “captured” them and had been abusing them for years, leading deputies to respond to the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City on Sunday.

According to the charging documents, one child accused Houston of strangling their mother, Aunika C. Houston, 37, while several siblings watched. Another child recounted how their father threatened to kill their mother during the strangulation. In a horrifying detail, Houston allegedly forced one child to pour hot water on Aunika’s legs and directed another to muffle her cries.

Houston had reportedly locked his three youngest children in the bathroom while he attempted to silence their mother. It is alleged that he then placed her body in a trash bag and disposed of it in a dumpster located on the hotel grounds. It’s unsettling to think the woman wasn’t reported missing following this act.

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office noted that Aunika, originally from California, had likely been living in Central Missouri for a few years. Authorities have confirmed that her next of kin has been informed.

Shockingly, Houston is said to have confessed to investigators about the murder, even admitting that it had been premeditated. In a statement, Chief Deputy Curtis Hall commented on the situation, indicating that the incident seemed to be a severe case of domestic violence but assured that there was no ongoing threat to the community.

“It’s a really unfortunate situation for everyone involved,” Hall remarked, underscoring the tragic nature of the case.

Currently, Houston faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, with no bond set for his release. His children have been placed in protective custody, and further investigations are underway regarding potential additional charges linked to other victims.