Ricky Lane Thomas Jr. was 13 when he disappeared from Bristow, Indiana, on November 6, 1997. On the day he vanished he was seen walking along Oak Ridge Road with his two puppies, Tiny and Red, and had called a cousin between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. to confirm plans to meet and go shopping in Tell City. He never arrived and his mother reported him missing the next day.

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 because his money and personal belongings were left at home. Despite extensive searches and ongoing investigation, no trace of Ricky or the puppies has been found.

Authorities have suspected foul play and some investigative attention focused on his stepfather, who later admitted planting one of Ricky’s belongings to give his mother false hope. No arrests have been announced and the case remains open. If anyone knew Ricky, saw him that day, or has information about Oak Ridge Road or Tell City around November 6, 1997, please come forward.