Columbia Family Remembers Montey “Duke” Thomas on Tenth Anniversary of His Disappearance
This week marks a poignant moment for the city of Columbia as the family of Montey “Duke” Thomas commemorates the tenth anniversary of his mysterious disappearance. Back in November 2014, Duke went missing under circumstances that have left many questions unanswered. His family is speaking out once more, hoping to uncover the truth and bring him home.
A Challenging Time
Montey Thomas, who was 45 years old at the time of his disappearance, was last spotted at Rick’s Party Shop on Bluff Road in Columbia. On that fateful day, Thomas stopped to make a phone call, only to find that his device had died. After trying to reach someone and getting no answer, he left the shop, and what happened afterward has puzzled investigators for years.
“My brother was the kind of person who fought hard through life’s ups and downs,” said Dana Thomas, Montey’s sister, speaking with deep emotion for a man she affectionately calls “Duke.” She described her brother as an ordinary guy working diligently to get his life back in order, despite facing many obstacles. “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,” Dana reflected.
A Concerned Family
Although it has been ten long years, Dana remains convinced that someone Duke knew must have played a part in his disappearance. “He got in someone’s car… whoever’s car he got in, he knew them,” she suggested, adding that she believes he may have been tricked into a dangerous situation.
The investigation into Duke’s case has since been transferred to the Richland County Cold Case Unit. Initial inquiries yielded few leads, leading authorities to suspect foul play might have been involved. Unfortunately, they’ve not yet been able to provide Duke’s family with the closure they desperately seek.
Ongoing Investigation
Dottie Cronise, a senior investigator with the Cold Case Unit, reassured the public that Duke’s case, along with other unsolved cases, remains very much alive. “These cases for our department remain open. Any lead that comes in, we look at it and follow it,” she stated, emphasizing her team’s commitment to pursuing every possible lead.
As they sift through evidence and connections, Cronise and her team hold out hope for a breakthrough that could finally bring answers to the Thomas family. The ongoing investigation reflects not only the dedication of law enforcement but also the relentless love of family members like Dana, who are determined to keep Duke’s memory alive.
Keeping Hope Alive
As the tenth anniversary passes, Dana Thomas clings to hope in the midst of heartbreak. “We just want answers. We just want to know what happened to him,” she said, encapsulating the pain and desire for resolution that many families of missing individuals endure.
Call for Information
With the urge for community support, anyone with information about Montey Thomas’s disappearance is strongly encouraged to reach out to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The Thomas family continues to stand firm in their quest for the truth, hoping that the more people talk about Duke, the more they might inspire someone who knows something to come forward.
In a world filled with uncertainties, the love of family remains a beacon of hope. As the community of Columbia remembers Duke, they join his family in wishing for his safe return and the closure that has eluded them for far too long.
