In February of 2016, the community of Gary, Indiana, was struck by a quiet tragedy with the death of James Thompson, a 63-year-old male resident. The unfortunate series of events began when Thompson, who was living with dementia, was reported missing. A search for him ended grimly when his body was discovered in a wooded area near 1700 Williams Street.
The discovery of Thompson's body revealed a violent end to his life.
An autopsy confirmed that he had sustained a gunshot wound, and his death was subsequently ruled a homicide by the Lake County Coroner's Office. At the time of the initial reports, law enforcement officials appealed to the public for any information that might lead to an understanding of the circumstances surrounding his death.
James Paul 'Pete' Thompson, as he was known to friends and family, was remembered as a respected member of his community. His obituary painted a picture of a man dedicated to his faith and his work, having been a longtime employee of Inland Steel. He was a husband, father, and grandfather, leaving behind a family to mourn his sudden and violent passing.
Despite the initial investigation and the public's call for assistance, information regarding any suspects or arrests in the homicide of James Thompson has not been publicly released in the years following his death. The case has grown cold, leaving his family and community without answers or a sense of justice for the loss of a man described as a cherished figure. The search for who was responsible for his death remains an unanswered question.
