Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
After 16 years, the case involving the murder of Day resident Thomas Ernest “Thumper” Horton continues to haunt the Lafayette County community. Now, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office hopes to put a renewed spotlight on his case, hoping someone may be compelled to come forward now that time has passed.
Sheriff Brian Lamb said, despite bringing in multiple agencies to review the case, the case remains open. Since the investigation began on July 17, 2009, Sheriff Lamb has offered a $25,000 reward for information which may lead to an arrest in the case.
Horton, a lifelong Lafayette County resident, was shot to death in his yard while walking to his semi truck at approximately 5:45 a.m. At the time of the incident, his wife, Emma Jewel, and daughter, Allie James, were at the house and awake. “He was leaving for work and I said, 'Bye, Daddy, I love you,’” James said during an interview with the Mayo Free Press in 2009. “‘I love you too,’ he told me.” Following the interaction, James said she heard what sounded like fireworks going off in the yard. Then she heard Horton say, “Oh, God,” before going outside to find him on the ground bleeding from his wounds.
Family members alleged Horton carried a large sum of money in his pocket, which was intended to help him and his wife, who was suffering from terminal cancer, move into a new home, as the one they were living in off County Road 53 was dilapidated. The money was never located, and investigators believed robbery was a motive for the murder. Shortly after Horton’s murder, Emma passed away from cancer.
Since the case was opened, numerous tips have been received and all have been followed up on, with no success. LCSO also solicited the help of other agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s cold case team, to help solve the murder. Despite the efforts, no suspect could be positively identified.
Family members said Horton did not have enemies, focused on work and enjoyed the company of his family, especially his grandchildren. At the time of his murder, he was working for Byrd’s Logging, in Branford.
LCSO investigators hope renewed efforts, combined with the recent partnership with Suwannee Valley Unsolved, Inc., will help bring awareness to the cold case, prompting someone to come forward. It is hoped the $25,000 reward in the case will help entice someone to come forward with valuable information now that 16 years have passed. Recently, LCSO covered the cost of new flyers created by SVU for the agency, in an effort to distribute them at businesses throughout Lafayette and the surrounding counties. The two organizations also partnered up to deliver a presentation at the Mayo Public Library on Tuesday, July 15.
Anyone with information regarding Horton’s murder may contact LCSO at (386) 294-1301. Those who call can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a $25,000 cash reward if information is provided that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.