Peru, Nebraska – December 3, 2010 – What should have been a short walk home turned into a nightmare that still haunts a small college town. Tyler Marie Thomas, a 19-year-old student at Peru State College, vanished while walking back to her dorm after an off-campus party — just steps from safety. Though a suspect has been convicted, her body has never been found, and her story remains one of heartbreak, injustice, and resilience.
What Happened That Night
It was 1:30 a.m. on December 3, 2010, when Tyler Thomas was last seen walking toward her dorm after attending a nearby party. Security cameras captured her crossing campus in the chilly early-morning hours — her dorm lights visible in the distance. Moments later, she was gone.
Before disappearing, Tyler sent a chilling text message to a friend:
“I don’t know where I am.”
When she didn’t return, her friends searched frantically before calling police around 3 a.m. Despite immediate efforts by campus security and law enforcement, there was no trace of Tyler. What began as a missing person’s case quickly turned into a criminal investigation that would stretch over a decade.
The Investigation: A Disturbing Discovery
Days after her disappearance, police began questioning Joshua Keadle, a 29-year-old fellow student at Peru State College. His behavior and conflicting statements immediately raised suspicion.
Keadle was arrested for lying to investigators after admitting he had been with Tyler that night — but his story changed multiple times. In one version, he claimed he picked Tyler up in his car, drove her to the Missouri River, and had what he described as “consensual sex” before leaving her there.
Investigators discovered tire tracks matching his vehicle and drag marks near the campus boat dock, leading straight into the river. Despite extensive searches by divers, no body was ever found.
Tyler was declared legally dead in 2013, though her family continued to hold out hope for answers.
Justice Delayed: The Conviction of Joshua Keadle
It wasn’t until 2017, seven years after Tyler vanished, that prosecutors charged Joshua Keadle with second-degree murder. The long-awaited trial concluded in 2020, when Keadle was found guilty and sentenced for taking Tyler’s life.
For Tyler’s family, the conviction brought relief — but not closure. Without her remains, her loved ones could not lay her to rest. To this day, her body has never been recovered, and many believe she lies somewhere in the depths of the Missouri River.
A Family’s Fight for Justice
Tyler’s parents, LaTanya Thomas and Kevin Semans, refused to let their daughter’s story fade. In 2016, they filed a civil lawsuit against Keadle, accusing him of kidnapping, rape, and murder.
A jury later awarded the family a $2.64 billion verdict — including $2.4 billion in punitive damages — symbolizing both the magnitude of their loss and the cruelty of Keadle’s actions. Though they will never see that money, the ruling stood as a powerful message:
Tyler’s life mattered.
Her mother continues to speak publicly about her daughter’s case, advocating for campus safety, violence prevention, and justice for missing women of color.
The Legacy of Tyler Marie Thomas
Known affectionately as “Ty,” Tyler Marie Thomas was a joyful, intelligent young woman with dreams of earning her college degree and building a bright future. Standing 5’5″, weighing 140 pounds, and described as a Black female with a radiant smile, Tyler was loved beyond words by those who knew her.
Her disappearance exposed the vulnerability of young women on college campuses and the importance of swift investigative action in missing person cases.
Ongoing Hope and Call for Information
Though a conviction has been made, the case remains open as authorities and Tyler’s family continue to search for her remains. Investigators believe someone may still hold key information about her final moments.
Anyone with details is urged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office at 402-274-3139.
Remembering Tyler
Every December, friends and family hold vigils to honor Tyler’s life — lighting candles, sharing memories, and renewing their vow to never forget her.
She was just walking home.
She was just 19 years old.
And someone decided she would never see another day.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
