WOODSIDE EAST, Delaware – A Delaware teen has been charged with the murder of a missing Hurlock man.

On Sept. 22, at approximately 12 p.m., 41-year-old David Thomas Jr. was reported missing by family members. A statement from the Delaware State Police said investigation revealed that on Sept. 15, Thomas visited his family in Kent County, borrowed a car from a family member, and failed to return it. Detectives attempted to locate and contact him but were unsuccessful, so a Gold Alert was issued.

Through the course of this investigation, detectives continued to search for Thomas. On Sept. 29, they found what appeared to be human remains in a ditch located in Meadowbrook Acres, about five miles south of Dover on U.S. 13. The Division of Forensic Science confirmed that the suspected human remains belonged to David Thomas Jr.

On Oct. 2, at approximately 2 p.m., Shakur Bowen was contacted and transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Murder First Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
• Hindering Prosecution
• Abusing a Corpse
• Conspiracy Third Degree

Bowen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Department of Corrections on a $500,000 cash bond.

The case continues to remain under investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821.

Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.