Missing in Texas: 2024 wrap-up of Texas' most notable missing persons stories

TEXAS - As the end of the year approaches, we are doing a wrap-up of some of the most notable missing persons stories in Texas in 2024. 

Some vanished seemingly without a trace. Some cold cases are finally solved. In some cases, there are remains, but those responsible are still on the loose. In others, a suspect has been charged, but the victim's remains are still missing. 

For families of missing and murdered loved ones, the holidays can be especially difficult. The Gonzales family is one of many. Meagan Gonzales was found burned in a field in Bexar County in 2019. Her killer is still on the run. 

"This is the time she got taken away from me," Eddie Gonzales, her father, said earlier this month. "A lot of people get happy at this time. I used to, but not too much anymore."

This year, some families have experienced heartbreaking loss, some have a glimmer of hope for justice, and for others, questions remain. 

Suzanne Simpson disappeared in October in the San Antonio area. Her husband, Brad Simpson, has been charged with her murder. Her remains still haven't been found. 

Caleb Harris from New Braunfels was going to school in Corpus Christi. He was reported missing in March. His body was found three months later in a wastewater lift station. How he got there is still a mystery. 

2024 also saw cracks in cold cases, like the 1980 murder of Susan Leigh Wolfe. Deck Brewer was arrested thanks to DNA testing. 

"We want to make sure that justice delayed, but not denied," Charles Wolfe, Susan's brother, said in August 2024.

For other cases, it's another year of questions, like for Jason Landry's family. He was driving from San Marcos to Missouri City in 2020. His crashed car was found in Luling. Jason has yet to be found. 

"Strange to think it's almost four years ago. I mean, part of it seems like yesterday," Kent Landry, Jason's father, said earlier this month. 

Johnathan Hamilton hasn't been seen since 2015. His jawbone was found in 2019 in Bastrop County.

"He's not been found. No one's been punished. We have no cause of death. Nothing," Angie Hamilton, his mother, said in May 2024.

Other murder suspects are still on the run, like Luis Montes, wanted for the 2022 death of his girlfriend, Camerina Trujillo Perez.

"Everybody in this agency always puts 110% in try to solve our cases," Det. Javier Hernandez with the Travis County Sheriff's Office said in July 2024. 

The one thing that connects all these cases is hope. 

"Maybe one day, one day at the right moment, the right person will be looking at that patch of ground and see something and maybe that will be our answer," Kent Landry said. 

For a full list of Missing in Texas stories this year, click here.