A former Missouri probation and parole officer who later worked at a state correctional facility allegedly killed his wife in front of several of their children and forced some of them to participate in the abuse, according to court records.
Jonathan G. Houston, 44, was arrested after one of his children called 911 from a hotel. The child reportedly whispered that Houston had “captured” her and her six siblings and had physically abused them for years, KOMU reported, citing charging documents.
Deputies went to the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City on Sunday and found the children there.
Jonathan G. Houston, 44, faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. (Callaway County Sheriff’s Office)
One child told deputies that Houston strangled his wife about 10 months earlier while several children were present, according to the charging documents. Another child, who also said she witnessed the strangulation, recalled that Houston had told her he intended to kill his wife, later identified as 37-year-old Aunika C. Houston.
During the alleged attack, Houston was holding his wife by the throat when he ordered one child to pour hot water over her legs and directed another to cover her mouth to silence her screams, the documents state.
Houston allegedly confined his three youngest children in a bathroom and told the children who remained outside to play loud music so their mother’s cries could not be heard, according to court records cited by KOMU.
Afterward, Houston allegedly placed his wife’s body in a trash bag and discarded it in a dumpster on the hotel property.
Houston allegedly placed his wife’s body in a trash bag and discarded it in a dumpster on the hotel property. (Callaway County Sheriff’s Office)
ALSO READ: Kourtney Kardashian Reacts to Jennifer Lawrence’s “Annoying” Remark
Authorities said Aunika Houston was never reported missing following her death.
“Aunika Houston was originally from the State of California and is believed to have been residing in the Central Missouri area for the past several years. Her next of kin has been notified,” the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
According to the charging documents, Houston allegedly told investigators that he killed his wife and had planned the crime beforehand.
“There is no danger to the community. This seems to be an act of domestic violence and it’s very unfortunate for everybody involved,” Curtis Hall, chief deputy with the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office, told KOMU.
Authorities said Aunika Houston was never reported missing following her death. (Callaway County Sheriff’s Office)
“At this point we’re 48 hours afterwards on a crime that we’re already 10 months behind on,” Hall said. “We have to be mindful of what we can release and what we should release.”
Houston is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping and is being held without bond.
Deputies said the children were placed in protective custody.
Authorities are also investigating Houston in connection with an alleged sexual assault and alleged assaults involving other victims, deputies said.