Polk County in Iowa

Des Moines in Polk County

William Thomas

Homicide

William Thomas
70 YOA
1213 Jefferson Avenue
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Case # 1979-35742
September 9, 1979

Case Summary By Nancy Bowers

Just before 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 9, 1979, a neighbor discovered 70-year-old William Thomas collapsed and bleeding from the head on a sidewalk near his residence at 1213 Jefferson Avenue.

He was on his way home from a bar on Forest Avenue where he spent the evening.

Courtesy photo Google Street View

William Thomas was found beaten on the sidewalk near 1213 Jefferson Avenue on September 9, 1979.

Before becoming unconscious, Thomas gave Des Moines Police his name and address and told them he was struck on the head with a stick.

He was taken to Broadlawns Medical Center and then transferred to Mercy Hospital Medical Center, where he died at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 10.

Because Thomas’s wallet was missing, robbery seemed a motive for the attack. However, the assailant overlooked $690 in his front pants pocket.

Information needed

Questions and information about the unsolved 1979 homicide of William Thomas should be directed to the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4864 or Iowa Cold Cases through the Contact form.

Sources

• Des Moines Police Department
• “D.M. Man Who Was Beaten On Sunday Dies,” Will Stageman, Des Moines Register, September 11, 1979.