The Disappearance of Dorien Deon Thomas: A 9-Year-Old Vanished Without a Trace

Background

Dorien Deon Thomas was a 9-year-old boy from Amarillo, Texas when he mysteriously vanished in October 1998. 

Described as a bright and outgoing child, Dorien lived in a community where he was well known. Despite his young age, he was independent and often played outside with friends. 

His case remains one of Amarillo’s most haunting mysteries—a child who disappeared in broad daylight with no witnesses, no evidence, and no answers for over 25 years. 

Timeline

October 26, 1998: The Day Dorien Disappeared

– Around 5:30 PM Dorien was last seen near 9th Avenue and North Lipscomb Street riding his aqua blue bicycle with white tires. 

– He told a friend he was heading to visit someone, but he never arrived. 

– Neither Dorien nor his bike has been seen since. 

October 27, 1998: The Search Begins

– After Dorien failed to return home, his family reported him missing 

– Police and volunteers searched the area for days but found no sign of him. 

– No known witnesses saw him being taken, and no physical evidence—no bike, clothing, or belongings—was ever discovered. 

Theories

1. Did Dorien Witness a Crime?

One of the most popular theories is that Dorien may have seen something he wasn’t supposed to. 

– About a year before he vanished Dorien and a friend discovered a murdered woman’s body in a field. 

– The victim was believed to be a prostitute and her killer was never caught. 

– Some believe that someone involved in her death may have wanted to silence Dorien. 

2. A Victim of a Serial Offender?

– During the 1990s there were reports of a serial predator in the Amarillo area. 

– Some suspect Dorien was abducted by an unknown offender who was never caught. 

3. A Random Abduction?

– Given the lack of evidence some believe Dorien was taken by a stranger. 

– His case shares similarities with other missing children who vanished without a trace. 

Recent Updates & Search Efforts

December 2023: A Break in the Case?

– After 25 years of silence authorities received a tip leading them to a field near Hastings Avenue and Smelter Road. 

– Bone fragments were discovered during a police search. 

January 2024: 

– DNA testing revealed the bones were not human, shattering hopes that Dorien had finally been found. 

– His family expressed disappointment but remains determined to find answers. 

Despite being cold for decades Dorien’s case is still open and his family continues to fight for justice 

– His case has been profiled by missing persons organizations including the Polly Klaas Foundation. 

– His family urges the public to come forward with any new information. 

The disappearance of Dorien Deon Thomas remains unsolved 

– How can a child and his bicycle vanish into thin air? 

– Did someone take him? 

– Did he witness something dangerous?

Until there are answers, Dorien’s case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the missing children who are never found. His family still holds onto hope—that one day, the truth will come to light. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Amarillo Police Department.