Help Us Seek Justice for Duane Ryan Thomas

Duane has been missing since March 4, 2011, after disappearing from Red Mesa, Arizona. He was last seen with his then-girlfriend, who stated he walked away after an argument. The location she provided was unclear and later proven inaccurate. Over the years, the details surrounding that night have remained deeply troubling and inconsistent.

In March of 2025, our family received anonymous tips with specific coordinates from people who claimed to know what happened the night Duane disappeared. We traveled to the area and conducted searches ourselves—on hands and knees, digging through debris. During these searches, we found bones believed to be human remains, weathered boots we believe belonged to Duane, and later, in May 2025, a human skull.

Despite these discoveries, we have faced significant barriers in getting help. The remains were eventually sent to the medical examiner in Albuquerque, where they sat for over six months due to a lack of authorization from Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations. After countless unanswered requests, our family took drastic action—organizing a 47-mile public protest walk from Red Mesa to Shiprock immediately after Christmas to demand attention and accountability.

Only after this walk did officials agree to meet with us, but we were given minimal information and told the case was not considered criminal—despite serious concerns, questionable circumstances, and a known history of violence involving Duane’s former girlfriend. Even the FBI believes this could be a case, but Navajo Nation must formally refer it. If the case is classified as “accidental,” it will not move forward.

As of January 2026, we were told by Navajo Nation authorities the skull was being sent to Texas for testing. We are still waiting for official identification. If confirmed to be Duane, we are prepared to move forward—but we need legal representation to advocate for a full and proper investigation.

We are raising funds to cover:

- Legal fees to retain an attorney

- Investigative and advocacy efforts

- Travel and search-related expenses

- Awareness and outreach materials to keep public and media attention on Duane’s case

Media attention has been the only way we have been able to move this case forward—but it takes resources.

Every donation helps us continue fighting for answers, accountability, and justice for Duane. Thank you for standing with our family and helping ensure his story is not forgotten.