A convicted felon on parole, Gregory D. Lewis, 34, has been charged with capital murder of his 31-year-old coworker, Thomas King. King, who worked at a Taco Casa on Bridgewood Drive in East Fort Worth, was first reported missing on April 13 after failing to return home from his shift. Investigators later discovered his body in an open field in East Fort Worth on Friday, April 17, after Lewis reportedly confessed to the fatal shooting and the theft of King’s vehicle.
The investigation gained momentum when police found King’s car at a Quality Inn motel in Arlington. Surveillance footage showed Lewis arriving at the motel in the victim’s vehicle shortly after King had finished his work shift. Detectives initially arrested Lewis on unrelated charges before linking him to the disappearance and murder through his confession and the evidence gathered from the vehicle’s location.
King’s family described him as a dedicated employee who lived with an intellectual disability and a speech impediment, primarily focusing on his job and his family. While a formal motive has not been finalized by police, family members alleged that King was frequently bullied at the restaurant, specifically naming Lewis as one of those involved in the harassment.
Lewis remains in custody in Tarrant County as the capital murder case moves forward. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation to determine if the alleged workplace bullying played a central role in the escalation to violence.
Thomas King leaves behind a family that was deeply involved in his life and care. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, two young sons, a sister, and Father-in-law.
(Pictured) Thomas King and one of his two sons.