A decades-long cold case was reopened, leading to the arrest of Thomas “Tommy” Anderson Jr. in connection with the 1992 disappearance of Arcadia father Tony Bledsoe, pictured above with his son.

News Release

ARCADIA — More than three decades after Tony Bledsoe vanished from his Indiana hometown, authorities have arrested a suspect in the long-cold case, offering long-awaited answers to his family.

Thomas “Tommy” Anderson Jr., of Arcadia, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with one count of murder in connection to the 1992 disappearance and death of Bledsoe, a 24-year-old father of three. Indiana State Police announced the arrest during a news conference, calling it a major breakthrough in a case that has haunted the community for years.

“My dad didn’t just leave,” said Justin Robinson, Bledsoe’s son. “My dad didn’t leave.”

Bledsoe was last seen the morning of Monday, March 16, 1992, leaving his home with only $8 and a nearly empty gas tank. His remains went unidentified for years after being discovered but were confirmed in 2018 through forensic analysis, officials said.

“This arrest is not the conclusion of our investigation,” said Sgt. John Perrine of the Indiana State Police, noting that detectives are still pursuing additional leads and potential suspects.

Thomas “Tommy” Anderson Jr.

According to court documents, the case gained new momentum in March 2018, nearly 26 years after Bledsoe vanished, when police received a tip that Anderson had once described witnessing Andy Emmert murder Bledsoe. The tip included gruesome details: the dismemberment of Bledsoe’s body and the concealment of body parts in a bucket filled with concrete.

That tip led investigators to Anderson’s relatives, one of whom testified before a grand jury in fall 2024, recounting a similar confession allegedly made by Anderson. The relative stated that Anderson admitted to participating in the killing alongside Emmert.

Court records indicate Anderson confessed to police during three interviews. He allegedly told investigators the murder stemmed from a dispute related to a car theft ring in which he and Emmert were involved. Bledsoe reportedly threatened to go to authorities after discovering he had been sold a stolen car radio.

Anderson claimed he and Bledsoe arrived at Emmert’s Noblesville home on March 19, 1992, where Emmert allegedly shot Bledsoe with a shotgun. Anderson told police he then saw Emmert stab Bledsoe and admitted to hitting Bledsoe with a baseball bat.

Investigators later searched Emmert’s home in October 2024, recovering a knife hidden in a safe that matched Anderson’s description. Anderson also described the disposal of the remains. Bledsoe’s dismembered body was tied with nylon rope, spray-painted black, and dumped in a bucket of concrete. Bledsoe’s remains were discovered about 10 miles from Greencastle, consistent with Anderson’s account of being driven to a town with “Green” in the name.

An Oldsmobile Cutlass, the same vehicle Bledsoe was last seen driving, found at the Atlanta, Ind. home of Andy Emmert. Photo by John Ringley.

State police noted that many details Anderson shared, including the spray paint and rope, were never publicly disclosed.

Despite the allegations against Emmert, he has not been charged. Authorities towed two Oldsmobile Cutlasses from Emmert’s property last fall, the same model Bledsoe was last seen driving.

At the time, Emmert was placed on administrative leave from his position as Atlanta’s utility superintendent and building commissioner. Records show he was reinstated on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, due to unresolved issues with the town’s water system, which he reportedly resolved upon returning to work.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Indiana State Police. Tipsters may remain anonymous.