A coworker’s confession followed days of investigation after a man vanished after work.
FORT WORTH, Texas — What began as a missing person case in North Texas quickly turned into a homicide investigation after police traced a victim’s car to an Arlington motel and obtained a confession from a coworker.
Authorities say 31-year-old Thomas King disappeared after finishing a work shift Monday, prompting family members to report him missing the following day. Investigators with the Fort Worth Police Department launched a search that focused on King’s last known movements, eventually uncovering evidence that led them to a suspect who worked alongside him.
Detectives determined that King had left his job at a Taco Casa restaurant but never arrived home. As officers canvassed the area and reviewed surveillance footage, they began tracking King’s vehicle, which had also vanished. The search led investigators to a Quality Inn along Interstate 20 in Arlington, where the car was found parked. Surveillance footage showed a man arriving in the vehicle shortly after King had last been seen.
Police identified the man in the footage as Gregory D. Lewis, 34, who was later taken into custody on unrelated charges. Investigators said Lewis worked with King, establishing a direct connection between the suspect and the missing man. During questioning, Lewis confessed to killing King and taking his car, according to authorities. Police have not publicly disclosed what prompted the confession or whether additional evidence was presented during the interview.
Officers then focused their search on areas connected to Lewis, leading to the discovery of King’s body in a field on the east side of Fort Worth. The location, described by officials as an open area, became the center of a crime scene investigation as detectives gathered evidence. Authorities have not released details about how the site was identified or whether tips or technology played a role in locating the body.
Officials said Lewis admitted to shooting King, though the Tarrant County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death. Investigators have not disclosed the type of weapon used or whether it has been recovered. They also have not provided details about the timeline between the shooting and the disposal of the body.
The case highlights the role of surveillance and vehicle tracking in modern investigations. By linking video evidence with the location of the victim’s car, detectives were able to narrow their focus quickly. Authorities have not indicated whether additional surveillance footage from other locations contributed to the timeline of events.
Lewis is expected to face a capital murder charge, which carries the most severe penalties under Texas law. Prosecutors have not yet announced a formal charging timeline, and court records detailing the case have not been released. It remains unclear whether Lewis will face additional charges related to vehicle theft or other offenses.
Community members expressed concern as details of the case emerged, particularly because the suspect and victim worked together. Police have not said whether any prior incidents between the two were reported or whether the workplace had any history of disputes involving the individuals.
Investigators continue to gather evidence and finalize reports as the case moves toward prosecution. Officials have said additional details may be released once the medical examiner completes the autopsy and prosecutors formally file charges.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities expected to provide updates as legal proceedings begin and new information becomes available.
Author note: Last updated April 19, 2026.