David Thomas Jr, 41, of Hurlock, Maryland, was last seen on September 15, 2023, after traveling to Kent County, Delaware, to visit family. He borrowed a relative’s vehicle and did not return; his family reported him missing on September 22 and a Gold Alert was issued when Delaware State Police could not locate him or make contact.

On September 29, detectives found human remains in a tax ditch or water runoff area in Meadowbrook Acres near Magnolia. The Delaware Division of Forensic Science confirmed the remains were those of Thomas and determined he had been shot, changing the inquiry to a homicide investigation.

Investigators identified 17-year-old Shakur Bowen of Magnolia as a suspect. On October 2, 2023, Bowen was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 3 and later charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, hindering prosecution, abusing a corpse, and third-degree conspiracy. He was arraigned and committed on $500,000 cash bond. The case remains ongoing and authorities seek anyone with information to contact investigators.

Did anyone in the area see Thomas between September 15 and September 22 or notice the relative’s vehicle after he failed to return?