Police in DE arrest teen for murder of missing Maryland man

On September 22, 2023, at approximately 12 p.m., 41-year-old David Thomas Jr. was reported missing by family members. The investigation revealed that on September 15, 2023, Thomas visited his family in Kent County, borrowed a car from a family member, and failed to return it. Detectives attempted to locate and contact him but were unsuccessful, so a Gold Alert was issued.Through the course of this investigation, detectives continued to search for Thomas. On September 29, 2023, detectives found what appeared to be human remains in a tax ditch located in Meadowbrook Acres. The Division of Forensic Science confirmed that the suspected human remains belonged to David Thomas Jr.

Shakur Bowen was identified as a suspect who shot and killed Thomas through investigative means. On October 2, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., Bowen was contacted and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Murder First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Hindering Prosecution
• Abusing a Corpse
• Conspiracy Third Degree

Bowen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Department of Corrections on a $500,000 cash bond.

The case continues to remain under investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Source: Delaware State Police Newsroom