Investigation of Sartell man's death is ongoing 10 years after the NDSU student died

Greg Bearson remembers packing the car to take his son, Tom, to North Dakota State University as the Sartell-St. Stephen High School graduate was embarking on his freshman year of college that 2014-15 school year.

However, dreams of watching the wide-eyed college student cross the NDSU graduation stage and pursue his long-term dreams never came to fruition. On Sept. 20, 2014, Greg Bearson packed up his car once again to head to NDSU’s campus in Fargo, but this time to help look for his then-missing son.

The Bearsons’ trip to Fargo hit a milestone three days later when Tom’s body was found at the Larry's RV dealership at 3002 24th Ave. S. in Moorhead. Records show he died of asphyxia, which is being deprived of oxygen.

Now, 10 years later, Bearson is left wondering what happened to his 18-year-old son. Tom was a typical boy, Bearson said, he played basketball, was looking forward to a new beginning at NDSU and had a variety of friends he hung out with. All things that he believes helped bring Tom's investigation into the spotlight, saying people hear the story and think, "that could be my son."

Even as a decade flew by, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Moorhead Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Fargo Police Department, North Dakota State University Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are actively working to find out who killed Tom Bearson.

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“They've been really generous and kind to our family,” Bearson said. “We know that they're determined to get to a resolution and that they will someday. We have complete confidence in what they are doing, and know that it's just a matter of time. “

One of the biggest questions on Bearson’s mind, who set up the Tom Bearson Foundation , is why those around Tom didn't come forward to speak with authorities once new information came to light a few days after the 18-year-old was found.

“If they have no involvement or didn't do anything wrong, there's absolutely no reason to avoid speaking with investigators,” Bearson said.

Bearson’s big question comes as Tom was last seen with friends and fellow students in the early hours of Sept. 20, 2014, at an off-campus residence, according to a Moorhead Police Department release .

Authorities said in a release that advances in DNA technology have led them to review previously collected evidence.

Authorities released a statement Friday asking those familiar with what may have happened to reach out to them about changed behaviors in others who were around at the time of Tom Bearson's death. These behaviors include altering their physical appearance, a change of routine, unexplained injuries, suddenly leaving the area, displays of anxiety, cleaning vehicles and noticeable disinterest in the investigation of Tom’s death.

To reach the Moorhead Police Department with any information about the case, call 218-299-5119 or email bearson@moorheadmn.gov. To send an anonymous tip via text message to the Moorhead Police Department, text the keyword TIPMOORHEAD and your tip to 847411.

Bearson told the St. Cloud Times he’s optimistic the case will eventually be solved and is content with how authorities are working on the investigation.

“We'll be happy that there's a resolution and the people responsible for this will have to face the consequences of their actions,” Bearson said. “But the other side is that we're not getting Tom back, and we’ve been deprived of however many years we were going to have with our amazing son and all the joy that that would have brought, and how he would have lived through his life, who he would have become.”

“Now we have a hole in our family, and that will never go away.”

More: Sartell, NDSU student's cause of death uncovered in unsolved 2014 homicide

Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Investigation of Sartell man's death is ongoing 10 years after the NDSU student died