After 24 years, the parents of Tom Bacon, a 21-year-old who was killed in Redwood City in 2002, are still looking for answers in their son’s unsolved murder case.
Tom James Bacon, who was known to family and friends as Tommy, was shot on Jan. 20, 2002, at a Redwood City taqueria, and was on life support for four days before he died. While Sue and Alan Bacon, his parents, have heard unsubstantiated rumors about their son’s murder, the individual who shot him was never found, they said, and they’ve watched the investigation fizzle out.
“It’s been 24 years. It’s hard to hold up any hope for that length of time, especially when I’m the one that has to keep calling and asking what’s going on,” Alan Bacon said. “I’m at a loss of what to do, other than try to keep the story alive.”
The Tommy Bacon homicide investigation remains open, Redwood City Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Clements said in a statement, however, the department does not have any new developments or information to share.
The department is reviewing a new program from the California governor’s office offering $50,000 rewards for information that cracks cold cases to see if Tommy Bacon’s murder may qualify, Clements said in a statement.
In an April 24 press release, the governor’s office released a list of unsolved crimes throughout the state that are eligible for the reward money, including the shooting of a Hillsborough police officer in 2025.
Alan and Sue Bacon are hopeful that their son’s murder could qualify for the program, potentially bringing them answers they’ve been waiting over two decades for.
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“It’s a cold case. It’s a long time,” Alan Bacon said. “I guess I’m reaching out more and more because I’m getting older. Not much time left.”
Tommy’s parents remember him as an incredibly generous and loving young man who was quick to help anybody in need, and they often wonder what his life may have been like had he not been killed.
“He didn’t know anybody that wasn’t a friend,” Sue Bacon said. “Anybody he ever met, he said, ‘I know him. He’s my friend.’”
At the time of the shooting, Tommy was with friends at the El Grullense restaurant at 2401 Middlefield Road. His parents continue to encourage anyone with more information on the case or the motive behind the shooting to come forward.
“Their lives gone on. They probably have been married and have kids of their own. It’s time to do the right thing,” Sue Bacon said.
While others move on from Tommy’s death, Sue and Alan continue to wait for answers.
“That’s what we’re waiting for. Been waiting almost 25 years,” Alan Bacon said.
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