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Ricky Thomas Missing Person Case

Last seen in Bristow, Indiana on Nov 6, 1997

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Victim Details

Apr 15, 2010

Oct 28, 2022

Ricky

Thomas

42

13

68 inches

170 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Nov 6, 1997

Bristow

Indiana

Perry County

26989

Indiana State Police - District 34

Jasper

Indiana

Dubois County

47546

2209 North Newton Street, Indiana

8124821441

State

Law Enforcement

34-21249

Indiana State Police - District 34

Sandy

Hazel

Hazel

Oct 15, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP6718) and 15 other sources
Ricky Lane Thomas Jr., a 13-year-old boy from Bristow, Indiana, disappeared on November 6, 1997. On the day of his disappearance, Ricky was seen walking along Oak Ridge Road with his two puppies, "Tiny" and "Red," which also went missing. He had been staying home from school due to behavior issues and was supposed to meet his cousin later that day to go shopping in Tell City. Ricky called his cousin between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. to confirm their plans, but he never arrived. His mother reported him missing the following day after learning he hadn't shown up at his cousin's house.

Ricky was last seen wearing a black "Route 66" sweatshirt, long denim shorts, and high-top sneakers. His parents believed he had not run away, as all his personal belongings and money were left at home. Despite extensive searches and investigations, no trace of Ricky has been found. Authorities suspect foul play, with some focus on his stepfather, who later admitted to planting one of Ricky's belongings to give his mother false hope. Although no arrests have been made, his case remains open and unresolved, with investigators continuing to follow leads.

Ricky's family, including his mother and stepfather, have since divorced, and his father passed away in 2000. His disappearance continues to haunt the community, and police are still seeking information that could help bring closure to this decades-old case.
Last Seen: Nov 6, 1997

Links to Additional Sources (15)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Ricky Lane Thomas Jr.
  • Missing: Ricky Thomas Jr. - HubPages
  • Unsolved Crime: Ricky Thomas - 14News
  • 1954DMIN - Ricky Lane Thomas
  • MISSING COLD CASE‼ Ricky Lane Thomas Jr. (13) Bristow ...
  • Stefanie Silvey Investigates: The Disappearance Of Ricky Thomas
  • WHERE IS RICKY THOMAS JR.? TRUE CRIME WEEK | Caitlin Rose
  • ISP: Ricky Lane Thomas, Jr. 11/07/1997 - IN.gov
  • Private Investigations for the Missing's post - Facebook
  • Police to follow up on Ferdinand tip about 18-year-old cold case
  • Have you seen this child? Ricky Lane Thomas - MissingKids.org
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP6718
  • Have you seen this child? Ricky Lane Thomas - Pinterest
  • IN - IN - Ricky Thomas, 13, Bristow, 6 Nov 1997 | Websleuths
  • Ricky Lane Thomas Jr. - The Charley Project

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Stephensport, Kentucky
    UP149548 • Found Jun 30, 2025
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 18–32 vs 13 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 98%19 mi away
    TimingFound 28 years after last seen
    Height 75%5'6"–6'2" vs 5'8"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Ricky Lane Thomas Jr. was 13 when he disappeared from Bristow, Indiana, on November 6, 1997. On the... ...Read More
    10/20/2024

    Evidence Boards (1)

    Ricky Thomas Missing Age 13 from Bristow, IN

    68 views

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