On Christmas Eve, Friday – December 24th 2010, 12 year-old Jonathan Foster was abducted from an apartment in Northeast Houston. Jonathan’s family contacted Texas EquuSearch two days later on Sunday – December 26th 2010. After receiving the initial call, two Texas EquuSearch members went to meet with Jonathan’s family and quickly determined that something bad had most likely happened to Jonathan. A search call-out was immediately activated. After two days of searching, a citizen found Jonathan’s badly burned remains lying in a ditch several miles away from where he had been last seen. The remains were later identified as Jonathan’s.
We would like to thank all of our members who came out to search for Jonathan. Many of you took time off of your jobs. Many walked away from your planned Christmas holiday vacations or family gatherings. But you all came out in a selfless act to find Jonathan. We would also like to thank the Garden Oaks Baptist Church for their kindness and opening of their doors to our searchers, Jonathan’s family, police investigators & the media for their constant coverage of this case. They never had to think twice when asked if they could help. We would also like to thank the City of Houston “Crime Victims Assistance” liaison Andy Kahan, B & W Meat Market for the donation of food for our searchers, Carnes Funeral Home for their donation of all funeral services for Jonathan, Captain Brian Goetschius of the Texas City, Texas Police Department, the Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau, H.I.S.D. Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Constable Victor Trevino & the Deputies of the Harris County Pct. 6 Constables Department that donated their time to escort the funeral procession to the cemetery. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated.
But a very special recognition needs to go out to a very dedicated group of extraordinary professionals – ALL of the Houston Police Department investigators that were involved in the Jonathan Foster case. The Missing Persons & Homicide Divisions used their finely-tuned investigative skills and other tools in a desperate attempt to find Jonathan … and bring him home safe. But after Jonathan’s remains were found, investigators collected evidence; clearly indicating that Jonathan was most probably dead before they had ever received a report of his disappearance. All investigators on this case displayed the upmost in investigative skills and professionalism. They never tried to impress anyone … but they did unknowingly impress many people. Their ultimate goal from the start was to find Jonathan alive; and they never let-up trying. Not until his remains were positively identified. The City of Houston has a great & valuable investigative division and it should have a special day of appreciation and recognition for these investigator’s tremendous efforts and skills. We salute the investigators of the Houston Police Department and may God bless each and every one of you.