Family of murdered OKC homebuilder brings attention to 20-year-old cold case

More questions than answers remain in a 20-year-old unsolved Oklahoma City murder case. The family of a prominent metro homebuilder found beaten to death in 2005 is bringing attention to the case.

The motive for the killing is unknown, and there are no suspects. Tom Young's family continues to struggle with understanding why someone would take his life in such a brutal way.

“I would have to say my dad was really my best friend because we saw each other everyday because we were both builders,” said Craig Young, the victim’s son.

Young and his son Ryan Young’s lives changed forever in August 2005. Police were called to a newly built home near Northwest 150th Street and Santa Fe where 75-year-old Young was found beaten to death on one of his properties.

“There was no forced entry and they brutally killed him,” said Young.

The family offered multiple rewards after leads went cold.

“The police have done everything they could over the years,” said Young.

Evidence from the scene did not help the case.

“We did collect DNA at the scene but in the end,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “It did not point us toward a suspect.”

Twenty years have passed since losing their loved one, but memories of Young remain alive. The prominent metro homebuilder was posthumously given the Homebuilder of the Year award, a testament to Young's work in the community for 45 years.

His family is now asking the public to help them bring closure to the case.

“Somebody out there has to know something,” said Ryan Young, the victim’s grandson. “Perhaps they didn’t feel comfortable years ago for whatever reason but secrets like this don’t die.”

Young said the cold case unit reviewed all the evidence two years ago but could not develop a suspect.

Tips can be left by calling the Crime Stoppers line at (405) 235-7300. Callers can remain anonymous.