On a cold February evening in Trenton, New Jersey, the life of Wilbur “Chill Will” Thomas was tragically cut short. On February 7, 2015, the 46-year-old Black male was found fatally shot inside his apartment on Riverside Avenue. The discovery sent ripples of shock and grief through his community, leaving family and friends to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of a man described as kind, humble, and always there for others.
A lifelong resident of Trenton and a graduate of Trenton Central High School, Thomas was a familiar and beloved figure in his city. He was an employee of the State of New Jersey Department of Revenue and a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. His death was the city's second homicide of the year and prompted an investigation by the Mercer County Homicide Task Force.
Despite their efforts, the case grew cold, and no arrests have ever been made in connection with his murder.
In the years following his death, the quest for justice has been tirelessly pursued by his family. Frustrated by the lack of progress and communication from authorities, they took their plea to the public, organizing a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a reward that might lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his death. The community has held vigils and walks to honor his memory and to keep the call for answers alive, yet the case of who killed Wilbur 'Chill Will' Thomas remains unsolved, a painful open wound for his loved ones and the city of Trenton.
