Left: Thomas, circa 1997; Right: Progressed to age 26 years by NCMEC (2010)
Left: Thomas, circa 1997; Right: Progressed to age 26 years by NCMEC (2010)
Name: Ricky Lane Thomas, Jr.
Case Classification: Endangered Missing
Missing Since: November 6, 1997
Location Last Seen: Bristow, Perry County, Indiana
Date of Birth: December 21, 1983
Age: 13 years old
Race: White
Gender: Male
Height: 5'8"-5'9"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Hair Color: Sandy brown
Eye Color: Hazel/Green/Gray
Nickname/Alias: Unknown
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Scars on both cheeks
Dentals: Available
Fingerprints: Not Available
DNA: Available
Clothing: Black hooded sweatshirt with "Route 66" printed on the front; baggy, long blue denim shorts; black and white high top tennis shoes/ sneakers
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
Ricky Jr. was last seen by neighbors around 1PM on November 6, 1997 on Oak Ridge Road in Bristow with this two hound red-and-black puppies, answering to the names "Tiny" and "Red," that are also both missing. The young man was a seventh grader at Perry Central and was planning to meet with cousin that day to go shopping in Tell City. He had stayed home sick from school that day, according to his mother and stepfather.
When the cousin called the house to confirm plans, Ricky's stepfather answered the phone and said Ricky was not at home. The cousin called again later that evening to tell Ricky's mother that Ricky never showed up to go shopping. His mother reported Ricky missing the next day. Volunteers and law enforcement searched for the boy, but no trace of him was found.
Ricky had been having problems at school and was kept home as a result. His parents were supposed to be homeschooling him, but they were both at work the day he disappeared. They do not think that he ran away, as he left all of his belongings behind. Foul play is suspected by authorities, with some speculation that his stepfather might have been involved in the young man's disappearance. There have been no arrests in Ricky's case. Ricky's mother and stepfather have since divorced. Ricky's father is deceased.
Tips keep trickling in and are investigated, but the case remains unsolved.
Agency Name: Indiana State Police
Agency Contact Person: Troy Fischer, Detective
Agency Phone Number: (812) 482-1441
Agency E-Mail: N/A
Agency Case Number: 34-21249
NamUs Case Number: 6718
NCIC Case Number: Unknown
NamUs
NCMEC
Indiana State Police
Stefanie Silvey Investigates: The Disappearance Of Ricky Thomas
The (Jasper, IN) Herald (11/25/97)
WBIW (10/23/2015)
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer (11/18/1997)
Added: 4/19/06; Last Updated: 11-13-2021 - By: Htmlcnvtr
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
Return Home