Christopher Thomas Murder Case

Case Overview

On October 1, 1982, Christopher Thomas was with his girlfriend approaching the inner six movie theaters at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall in Rockaway Township, N.J. when a male actor approached and shot him. The actor was described as a white male, in his early 20’s, approximately 5’5” tall, thin build, with a slight, dark mustache, shoulder length dark hair parted in the middle wearing a blue coat and mirrored sunglasses. A composite sketch of the actor was completed (pictured below). The case was ruled a homicide.

40 years later, family still asks: Who killed Morris Catholic teen at Rockaway mall?

Four decades after one of Morris County's most shocking killings, the victim's family, friends and law-enforcement authorities are still asking: Who shot Boonton Township teen Christopher Thomas at the Rockaway Townsquare mall, and why?

Thomas' younger brother, Mark, says he wants to "shake the tree" with a public plea for someone to come forward, help catch the killer and bring some closure to his still-grieving family.

"This is not the world's greatest mystery," Mark Thomas said. "Someone knows something and someone needs to come forward with information. One investigator said something that always stuck with me − that I should not lose hope."

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for material information leading to an arrest and conviction. Respondents can call the Morris County Crimestoppers at 973-COP-CALL or visit them online at COPCALL.ORG.

Below are all the resources available to learn more about Christopher's case