Ricky CHADEK was last seen on Sunday March 23, 1986, leaving a friend’s house near 56th and Spring Street in Omaha. He was dropped off there by his mother and was to ride his bike home by himself for the first time. He left about 5 PM, after calling his mother to tell her he was on his way home.
At about 5:40 PM, CHADEK’s mother went looking for him and found his bike near the dumpster in the bank parking lot at 42nd and Valley Streets, where CHADEK and his friend would often play.
CHADEK was wearing glasses, a camouflage hat, shirt and pants, a blue vest jacket with red trim and maroon tennis shoes with Velcro straps. He also had a red backpack with a small homemade wooden box that he carried his Legos in.
After noon on Monday March 31, 1986, a farmer working his field near 168th and Ida Streets discovered CHADEK’s deceased body in a ditch adjacent to his field. CHADEK was wearing the same clothing he was last seen in. His backpack and hat were near him and his glasses were in his shirt pocket. The Lego box was never found. Indications were that he had been deceased less than 24 hours and was well cared for during the week he was missing.
CHADEK’s case remains one of Omaha’s most enduring unsolved murders.
The case was featured on “The Deck” podcast, and also on numerous news stories that you can find at a link in the comments.
If you have any tips that can help to solve this case and bring justice for Ricky and his family please contact the DCSO Tip Line at 402-444-6000 or [email protected]. You can also contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP (7867) or via the P3 Tips mobile app.
Tus lágrimas son las nuestras, Capitán 👑🇦🇷
Nos diste las alegrías más grandes de nuestras vidas. Gracias por la entrega, por la magia y por dar la vida hasta el último segundo 🙌
¡Te amamos para siempre, Leo! 🩵🤍