Police make new plea for information in killing of Tom Bearson a decade ago

A graphic shows a small child on a carousel, a bench with the name Tom Bearson and a sculpture of tennis shoes, along with a closeup of the young man's eyes, with a bright red background — Tom Bearson, 18, of Sartell, Minnesota, was a freshman at North Dakota State University when he died by homicidal violence on Sept. 20, 2014. While police say Bearson's death is not a cold case, it remains unsolved 10 years later.

September 23, 2024 at 7:31 AM

MOORHEAD 鈥� The Moorhead Police Department has issued a new plea for information about the unsolved killing of college student Tom 鈥淭ommy鈥� Bearson,

That plea asks people to report behavioral changes they may have seen in those familiar with what happened to Bearson, including altered appearances, unexplained injuries or someone suddenly leaving the area after Bearson鈥檚 death.

Sept. 20, 2017, will mark the three-year anniversary of when Tom Bearson was last seen alive. The death of the North Dakota State University freshman was ruled a homicide, and the case remains unsolved. — Sept. 20, 2024, marked the 10 year anniversary of when Tom Bearson was last seen alive. The death of the North Dakota State University freshman was ruled a homicide, and Moorhead police ask the public to come forward with more information.

Bearson, 18, from Sartell, Minnesota, was a freshman at North Dakota State University in Fargo when he died by homicidal violence on Sept. 20, 2014.

Bearson was last seen with friends and fellow students at a house party near campus in the early morning hours that day.

A tan house with visible wear and white steps and railing is shown — This house at 824 14th St. N., in Fargo, near the campus of North Dakota State University, was the last place Tom Bearson was seen alive on September 20, 2014. Moorhead police ask people to report any behavioral changes they noticed then in others who were familiar with what might have happened to Bearson.

His body was found in the parking lot of an RV Sales business at 3002 24th Ave. S., Moorhead, several days later.

Father Greg Bearson said losing Tom is as hard now as it was then.

鈥淎t the 10-year mark, this is just another opportunity for the people involved to make things right, so all of us can kind of move on and try to find peace in our lives,鈥�

鈥淣ot a day goes by when I don't think of him,鈥� he added.

While police maintain it is not a 鈥渃old case,鈥� the crime has yet to be solved.

More cold cases from The Vault

Moorhead police did not grant media interviews the week prior to Friday, Sept. 20, but Capt. Deric Swenson issued a news release stating police believe there is information about Bearson鈥檚 time at NDSU and the circumstances of his death that haven鈥檛 been shared.

Investigators remain open to all possible scenarios, the release said, and DNA technology advancements have led investigators to review previously collected evidence.

Police said people familiar with what happened to Bearson may have shown changes in behavior after the fact to include:

Altering of physical appearance, such as change in hair color or cut, growth or removal of facial hair
Change in normal routine, which might include missing work, classes or appointments
Unexplained injuries such as cuts and bruises on hands during the period from when Bearson was last seen alive and when his body was found
Sudden departure from the area after Bearson鈥檚 death
A change in mood or displays of anxiety, nervousness or irritability
Cleaning of vehicles
Intense interest or noticeable disinterest in the investigation, or an unexplained knowledge of the situation

ruling out accident, suicide or natural causes, and

Though the people Bearson was with that night spoke with Moorhead police when he was missing, they have not spoken with law enforcement since, family members have said.

larrys RV 3002 24 Ave S.png — The RV lot at 3002 24th Ave. S., in Moorhead, where NDSU student Tom Bearson's body was recovered in September 2014. Bearson's death, ruled a homicide, remains unsolved ten years later.

Moorhead police thanked those who have cooperated and said officers will likely ask for help again.

People who have information often don鈥檛 come forward because they think it鈥檚 not important or may have previously been shared, the release said.

There may also be hesitation due to close relationships with those who may have been involved or out of concern for their own safety or reputation.

People may also be unknowingly brought into a situation by others; relationships and loyalties can change, as do people and their perspectives, the release said.

STC 0924 Bearson Service 2.jpg — North Dakota State University students gather at a candlelight vigil in memory of freshman Tom Bearson on Sept. 23, 2014.

Police asked anyone with information to contact them, no matter how insignificant they think the information might be or whether they think police already know about it.

Tips may be shared through a designated phone line at 218-299-5119 or sent by email to bearson@moorheadmn.gov.

Anonymous tips may be sent via text message to Moorhead police by texting the tip and keyword TIPMOORHEAD to 84741.

Moorhead police have received assistance in their investigation from the Clay County Sheriff鈥檚 Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

歪歪漫画

Police make new plea for information in killing of Tom Bearson a decade ago

The request from Moorhead Police comes on the 10-year mark since Bearson鈥檚 death.