A Tragic Case Unfolds Through a Series of Clues
A recent case involving the disappearance and presumed death of a flight attendant has taken an unexpected turn, thanks to a series of clues that led authorities to two individuals. The incident highlights how even the smallest details can play a critical role in solving a crime.
Joni Thomas, 62, has been charged with tampering with evidence after allegedly helping her friend, Dennis William Day, 66, dispose of the body of Rana Nofal Soluri, 47. Soluri was reported missing in June, but her body has yet to be found. Day is facing murder charges for allegedly killing Soluri, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by KXAS, Day contacted Thomas after committing the crime. She drove over in her pickup truck, which was reportedly used to transport the body from their home in Fort Worth to Bowie, where they discarded it. Initially, Thomas denied any knowledge of the incident, claiming that Day did not drive her truck. Later, she admitted that he had driven it, but she fell asleep when he stopped to use the bathroom.
However, investigators uncovered evidence that contradicted her claims. An accidental voicemail on Thomas’ phone captured a conversation between the two as they moved something heavy. A male voice could be heard saying things like “Hey … help me,” “Make sure the lid’s on,” and “I’m I got you messed up in this.”
Thomas was taken into custody late last month and later bonded out of jail. The case has drawn attention from true crime enthusiasts, with many eager to follow the developments.
The Timeline of Events
Soluri’s disappearance was first reported by a co-worker in June, although she had not been seen since March. According to an arrest affidavit, Soluri had taken a leave of absence earlier in the year due to a minor surgery, expecting to return by March 31. However, she never came back.
A conversation on March 19 ended abruptly, leaving the co-worker concerned. Police began investigating the case as a missing person incident and quickly focused on Day, who had lived with Soluri for about a year. The co-worker provided investigators with a video showing Soluri and a handgun, along with a man’s voice heard off-camera.
Travel records also raised questions. Soluri had not flown for either work or pleasure since October 2024, according to police. A supervisor noted that her absence was unusual, given her five years of experience as a flight attendant.
In May, officers towed Soluri’s vehicle from Day’s residence. Day claimed the car had been parked for two months, matching the time he hadn’t seen his roommate. He also said he moved some of her belongings into a storage shed and showed no concern about her disappearance.
The vehicle, however, had been purchased just two weeks before being abandoned, raising further suspicion.
Key Evidence and Confessions
On June 10, during a welfare check, Day described Soluri as a longtime friend. He confirmed she was living with him but insisted he had not seen or heard from her in three months.
On June 18, police executed a search warrant on Soluri’s cellphone. Her last call was made on March 21 at 3:43 p.m., and her phone pinged a tower for the last time around 3:52 p.m., approximately five miles east of home.
On June 23, police met with Day at his residence, where he disclaimed any knowledge of Soluri’s disappearance. He consented to a search, leading to the discovery of surveillance footage from the night of March 21. The video showed Day dragging what appeared to be a lifeless body from the home into the backyard, though the clip cuts off shortly after.
After being confronted with the evidence, Day allegedly confessed. He claimed that Soluri was recording him and had threatened to call the police. He then grabbed her by the neck and choked her until she died. According to Day, the strangulation occurred on the kitchen floor. Afterward, he dragged her body outside and disconnected the surveillance system.
He allegedly placed her body in a black trash bin and dumped it over a bridge in Bowie. He also said he threw her cellphone into a river and provided the location of her gun, which was later recovered.
Despite efforts, Soluri’s remains have yet to be found. Day is currently in Tarrant County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
