Ala. man wanted in ‘retaliation killing’ is known to visit Biloxi casinos, police say

A Eufaula, Alabama, man wanted in a killing committed in retaliation to another crime is known to visit Biloxi casinos and may be in the area, a police official said.

Robert Dean “Bobby” Thomas is sought on a murder warrant in the killing of 26-year-old Deyasmine Keyon Sheppard, also of Eufaula.

Sheppard was reported missing March 26, two days after his mother last saw him, Police Chief Steve Watkins said.

His remains were found in a freshly dug grave April 19 off Gammage Road near a popular bass fishing stream just outside the Eufaula city limits.

“We believe it was a retaliatory killing involving another crime,” Watkins told the Sun Herald. No details were given on the previous alleged crime.

Police announced a warrant for Thomas’ arrest on a murder charge Monday, saying he is to be considered armed and dangerous.

“He had a residence in Mobile County as recently as March and early April, and according to his family and friends, he frequents casinos in Biloxi,” Watkins said.

Thomas, 45, is white, 6-foot-1, weighs 175 pounds and has blue eyes.

He was wanted for questioning, but as the investigation continued, police identified him as a suspect.

“Forensic evidence shows he was involved in the killing,” Watkins said.

Two others face a murder charge in the killing: Jesse James Maness, 24, and Isabella Elizabeth Dooley, 22, both from Eufaula.

Sheppard’s mother reported she last saw him leaving his home in a silver Lincoln Town Car on March 24. He went to a convenience store and disappeared. Police found his car in nearby Russell County but Sheppard was not with his vehicle.

Investigators in April used phone records to track where Sheppard had been. It led them to Gammage Road and Middle Fork Cowikee Creek. Police were searching on foot and with an all-terrain vehicle on private land when they found him in “a primitive covered depression.” Watkins said.

Police recognized Sheppard by his physical appearance and tattoos, he said.

Anyone who sees Thomas is asked to call their local law enforcement department. Or call the Eufaula Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 334-687-1200, or call an anonymous tip line at 1-334-687-7100.

Federal marshals are assisting in the search.

This story was originally published August 27, 2018 at 4:48 PM.