Police say the suspect confessed after the victim’s car was tracked to an Arlington motel.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A North Texas man reported missing earlier in the week was found dead Friday, and police say a coworker has confessed to fatally shooting him and taking his car, turning a disappearance into a capital murder investigation.
Authorities identified the suspect as Gregory D. Lewis, 34, who remains in custody and is expected to face a capital murder charge. The victim, 31-year-old Thomas King, had been reported missing after he failed to return home following a shift at a Taco Casa restaurant. The case quickly escalated as investigators tracked King’s vehicle and uncovered evidence linking Lewis to the disappearance and death.
Police said King was last seen Monday leaving work in the 1100 block of Bridgewood Drive while wearing his Taco Casa uniform. When he did not return home, family members reported him missing Tuesday. Detectives began reviewing surveillance footage and searching for his vehicle as concern grew over his sudden disappearance. According to investigators, the breakthrough came when King’s car was located outside a motel in Arlington, providing the first major lead in the case.
Surveillance video from the motel showed a man arriving in King’s vehicle shortly after King left work, police said. Investigators later identified that individual as Lewis, a coworker of the victim. Officers arrested Lewis on unrelated charges Thursday while continuing to build the case. During questioning, authorities say Lewis admitted to shooting King and stealing his car. The motive behind the killing has not been publicly detailed, and police have not said whether the two men had any prior conflict.
King’s body was discovered Friday in an open field on the east side of Fort Worth, marking a grim end to the search. Officials said the Tarrant County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death, though police have stated that Lewis confessed to shooting the victim. The condition of the body and additional forensic details have not been released, and investigators have not said how long the body was in the field before being found.
The case has drawn attention in the Fort Worth area, where violent crime investigations involving coworkers are relatively rare but often raise questions about workplace relationships and warning signs. Police have not indicated whether any prior incidents or disputes were reported between Lewis and King at their workplace. Taco Casa representatives have not publicly commented on the situation.
Lewis is expected to face a capital murder charge, one of the most serious criminal charges under Texas law. Investigators have not announced whether additional charges could be filed, including those related to the alleged theft of the victim’s vehicle. Authorities also have not said whether Lewis has obtained legal representation or when he may appear in court.
Neighbors near where the body was found described a quiet area disrupted by police activity as investigators processed the scene. Some residents said they noticed an increased law enforcement presence but were not immediately aware of the circumstances. Officials have not disclosed whether any witnesses saw suspicious activity in the area prior to the discovery.
Police continue to gather evidence, including reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing forensic results, as the investigation moves forward. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that additional information could emerge about the events leading up to the killing. Authorities are expected to provide updates as the case proceeds through the legal system.
The investigation remains active, with officials awaiting medical examiner findings and preparing formal charges. A court appearance for Lewis is expected in the coming days as prosecutors move forward with the case.
Author note: Last updated April 19, 2026.