Ricky Lane Thomas Jr.
Full name: Ricky Lane Thomas Jr.
Age: 13
Missing since: November 6, 1997
Last known location: Bristow, Indiana
Case status: Missing; unsolved
https://charleyproject.org/case/ricky-lane-thomas-jr
Ricky Lane Thomas Jr. disappeared from Bristow, Indiana, on November 6, 1997, at the age of 13. He spent part of the day at home before calling his cousin, Daisy Applegate, to confirm plans to spend the night at her house. Witnesses later reported seeing Ricky walking along Oak Ridge Road toward her residence, but he never arrived and has not been seen since.
Investigators determined that Ricky left home carrying two backpacks. Although he had told his cousin he planned to use money for a trip to Tell City later that day, the cash remained behind in his wallet inside his bedroom. Also missing were Ricky's two thirteen-week-old puppies, an unusual detail that has remained part of the investigation.
Family members told investigators they did not believe Ricky had run away. He had experienced behavioral and disciplinary problems and was being homeschooled after being expelled from school. As the investigation progressed, attention focused on Ricky's stepfather, John Martin, who has been publicly identified as a possible suspect. Both Martin and Ricky's mother submitted to polygraph examinations, though the results have never been released.
One of the more unusual developments occurred after Ricky disappeared, when an anonymous caller instructed his mother to visit a remote location where she would find proof that he was still alive. She discovered one of Ricky's snow globes there. John Martin later admitted that he had staged the incident by placing the item at the location and disguising his voice to make the call.
No arrests have ever been made, and investigators have never publicly explained his motive for doing so. More than two decades later, Ricky's disappearance remains unsolved.
