Amarillo Police Sought Help in 2010 Cold Case
Authorities are renewing their investigation into the 2010 murder of 63-year-old Thomas Ray Vaughn.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Crime — General
The Amarillo Police Department is asking for public assistance to solve the 2010 murder of Thomas Ray Vaughn. Vaughn was found beaten to death in front of his place of business, the Ft. Williams Surplus and Supply Depot.
Why it matters
Renewed public appeals often serve as a critical tool for investigators when older evidence requires fresh eyes or new tips to finally secure justice. The case has remained a priority for local authorities who have spent over a decade processing evidence.
The Cold Case Unit has spent 16 years submitting evidence for DNA testing following the 2010 murder. Although one arrest was made in 2020, no charges were filed in the matter.
The players
Amarillo Police Department
This is the primary local law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and investigating criminal activity in Amarillo, Texas.
Thomas Ray Vaughn
He was the 63-year-old victim whose murder at his place of business in 2010 remains an open cold case investigation.
The details
Thomas Ray Vaughn, age 63, was discovered outside his store after being beaten to death. Investigators have interviewed hundreds of individuals in an effort to identify a suspect in the long-standing homicide.
Timeline
July 29, 2010: Thomas Ray Vaughn was found beaten to death.
2020: An arrest was made in connection with the case.
Last 16 years: Cold Case Unit submitted evidence for DNA testing.
Legal Context
The ongoing efforts to solve the 2010 murder of Thomas Ray Vaughn reflect the standard investigative trajectory for unresolved cold cases in Texas. Police departments frequently utilize these periodic public appeals to generate new leads in decades-old criminal investigations.
Residents who may have information regarding the 2010 crime are encouraged to contact the Cold Case Unit at 806-378-6468. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400.
The takeaway
Resolving long-term cold cases often relies on community members coming forward with information they may have previously withheld. Authorities continue to seek public cooperation to provide closure for the family of the victim.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing local investigations, visit the Crime — General section.
More information
Submit tips to the Amarillo Police Department online tip portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newschannel10.
