In a quiet apartment complex along Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, Texas, the stillness of a Thursday morning was shattered by a grim discovery that has left a community searching for answers. Just before 10 a.m. on April 3, 2025, police officers responded to a call at the 8100 block, where they found 74-year-old Richard Thomas lifeless, lying face down on the floor of his residence. Emergency medical services arrived swiftly, but their efforts were in vain—Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. As investigators began piecing together the circumstances of his death, a troubling detail emerged: his car, a 2017 black Chevrolet Cruze bearing Texas handicap plates 5WNRW, was nowhere to be found. What began as a routine welfare check has now escalated into a pressing manhunt, with authorities urging the public to come forward with any information that might unravel this mystery.
The Galveston Police Department wasted no time in launching a thorough investigation. Officers combed through the apartment complex, a familiar stretch of coastal property known for its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Thomas, described by neighbors as a reserved but kind older man, lived alone, making the circumstances of his death all the more perplexing. Police have not yet disclosed whether they suspect foul play, but the absence of his vehicle has raised immediate red flags. A “Be on The Lookout” alert, commonly referred to as a BOLO, was issued for the missing Chevrolet Cruze, a detail that suggests authorities believe it could hold the key to understanding what happened in those final moments of Thomas’ life.
Details surrounding Thomas’ death remain scarce, a fact that has only deepened the unease felt by those who knew him. The Galveston PD has been tight-lipped about potential causes, stating only that the investigation is ongoing and that further information will be released as it becomes available. Was this a random act of violence, a targeted incident, or something else entirely? Without more to go on, speculation has begun to swirl, though police have cautioned against jumping to conclusions. What is clear, however, is that the missing car is a critical piece of the puzzle. Described as a black 2017 model with distinctive handicap plates, it’s the kind of vehicle that could easily blend into traffic—yet its uniqueness might just make it stand out to an observant passerby.
Authorities are now turning to the public for help, a move that underscores the urgency of the situation. The Galveston Police Department has provided a direct line for tips, 409-765-3736, encouraging anyone who might have seen Thomas’ vehicle—or anything unusual in the area—to contact investigators immediately. In a city like Galveston, where the population swells with tourists during warmer months but remains tight-knit among locals, such appeals often yield results. The hope is that someone, somewhere, noticed something out of the ordinary: a car parked where it shouldn’t be, a stranger lingering near the complex, or perhaps even the vehicle speeding away from the scene.
The loss of Richard Thomas has cast a shadow over this coastal community, a place more accustomed to headlines about beach festivities than somber police investigations. At 74, Thomas had lived a life that spanned decades of change in Galveston, a city with a storied history of resilience in the face of hurricanes and economic shifts. Those who crossed paths with him recall a man who kept to himself but was always polite, often seen tending to small tasks around his apartment or taking short walks along the seawall. The suddenness of his death, coupled with the mystery of his missing car, has left neighbors grappling with a mix of grief and curiosity.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on locating the Chevrolet Cruze. Police have not indicated whether they have identified a suspect, but the issuance of the BOLO suggests they believe the vehicle could lead them to one—or at least to someone with answers. In the meantime, Galveston residents are left to wonder about the safety of their own streets, a reminder that even in a place known for its laid-back charm, darkness can find its way in. For now, all eyes are on that black sedan with the license plate 5WNRW, a silent witness to whatever transpired in that apartment on Seawall Boulevard.
The Galveston Police Department continues to work diligently, and officials have promised updates as new developments emerge. Until then, they’re counting on the vigilance of the public to help bring clarity to this unsettling case. For Richard Thomas, a man whose life ended in such an unexpected and tragic way, the search for justice—or at least understanding—has only just begun. Anyone with even the smallest piece of information is urged to step forward, because in a case like this, every detail matters.