Columbia Family Pushes for Answers in 10-Year Disappearance Case
Richland County, S.C. — This week, a heart-wrenching milestone was marked in Columbia as it has been a decade since the mysterious disappearance of Montey “Duke” Thomas. Since that fateful day in 2014, his family has been diligently seeking answers, and they are back on the community’s radar once again, urging anyone with even the slightest bit of information to come forward.
The Last Known Sighting
Montey Thomas, a vibrant 45-year-old man, was last seen on November 20, 2014. He had stopped by Rick’s Party Shop on Bluff Road to make a phone call when his phone battery died. Investigators say he left the shop after failing to reach the person he was calling, and what happened afterward remains shrouded in mystery. It’s as if he vanished without a trace.
A Sister’s Heartfelt Reflection
His sister, Dana Thomas, spoke to the media with a heavy heart, expressing just how much Duke meant to her. “He was an ordinary person, like all of us, facing his own challenges but striving to get back on the right path,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “Some days you have your good days, some days you have your bad days, but you have to take it one day at a time, one moment at a time.”
It’s clear that Dana remains hopeful. She believes that someone Duke knew may have been involved in his disappearance. “He got in someone’s car… whoever’s car he got into, he knew them. It wasn’t a stranger,” she remarked, suggesting that he may have been tricked or misled into a dangerous situation. The pain of uncertainty has haunted the Thomas family for years.
The Case Takes a New Direction
After the initial investigation came up short, the case was eventually handed over to the Richland County’s Cold Case Unit. Officials felt there might be foul play involved, but so far, no solid leads have emerged. It’s a frustrating situation for not just the family, but also the local community who are desperate for answers.
Determined Investigators Keep the Hope Alive
Senior investigator Dottie Cronise from the Cold Case Unit shed some light on the situation. “These cases for our department remain open. Any lead that comes in, we look at it and follow it,” she stated firmly. The Cold Case Unit is actively pursuing all possible avenues, with the hope that they can bring closure to Duke’s family and others who have faced similar heartaches.
Years Go By, but Hope Stays Strong
As the tenth anniversary of his disappearance looms large, Dana Thomas remains unwavering in her quest for answers. “We just want answers. We just want to know what happened to him,” she declared, her determination shining through the sadness.
Community Involvement is Key
The community is crucial in this ongoing investigation. Anyone who may have seen Duke or knows anything about his disappearance is encouraged to reach out to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Sometimes, the smallest piece of information can lead to significant breakthroughs in cases like these.
While the clock continues to tick on the case of Montey “Duke” Thomas, his family holds onto hope that one day, they will finally uncover the truth. After all, the journey to finding that truth is not just about solving a mystery but also about healing the hearts left in limbo for far too long.
