Jonathan G Houston, 44, was arrested last week in connection with the death of his wife, Aunika Houston, 37, who authorities believe was killed approximately 10 months before the allegations came to light.
According to court documents obtained by KRCG, authorities received a call at 10.27am on October 4 from one of Houston’s children.
The child was reportedly whispering during the call and told authorities that her father had kept her and her six siblings captive for five years while physically abusing them.
Investigators traced the call to the Baymont Inn & Suites in Kingdom City, Missouri, where officers located Houston and entered his hotel room.
They found all seven children inside.
Children Describe Alleged Killing of Their Mother
One of the children allegedly told deputies that Houston had killed Aunika in the hotel room around 10 months earlier, according to reports by KOMU.
Another child reportedly said her father had announced his intention to kill Aunika before carrying out the act.
She also told investigators that she witnessed him strangling her mother.
Court documents allege that Houston instructed one child to pour hot water down Aunika’s legs while she was being strangled. Another child was allegedly ordered to cover their mother’s mouth.
The documents further state that Houston placed his three youngest children inside a bathroom before the killing and played music to drown out Aunika’s screams.
Body Allegedly Disposed of at Hotel
After the alleged killing, Houston reportedly placed his wife’s body inside a trash bag and discarded it in a dumpster on the hotel property.
Authorities said Aunika had not previously been reported missing before the children disclosed what had allegedly happened to her.
During an interview with investigators, Houston allegedly admitted to killing his wife and acknowledged that he had planned the act in advance.
Callaway County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Curtis Hall described the case as a suspected act of domestic violence.
“This seems to be an act of domestic violence, and it’s very unfortunate for everybody involved,” Hall said.
Family Remembers Aunika Houston
Following the revelations, Aunika’s relatives shared a tribute to her on social media, remembering her as a woman whose presence left a lasting impression on those around her.
Aunika, who was born Aunika Rawls, was described by her family as someone who brought her own distinctive light, beauty, strength and spirit into the lives of people who knew her.
In their statement, relatives expressed their grief while reflecting on the memories she had created with family and friends.
“While our hearts are broken by her absence, we are comforted by the memories she leaves behind – the laughter, the love, the moments big and small and the lasting impact she made on family and friends,” a family member wrote.
The family also described her as “a beautiful soul that lived, loved and left an everlasting impact.”
They asked the public to keep the Rawls family in their thoughts and prayers as they mourned Aunika, celebrated her life and sought justice for her and her children.
Houston Faces Murder and Kidnapping Charges
Houston previously worked as a corrections officer and also served as a parole and probation officer.
He is reportedly the subject of previous investigations involving allegations of sexual assault and the assault of other victims.
He remains in custody at the Callaway County Jail without bond while facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection with his wife’s death.
