The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) is looking for the public’s help, hoping that it might help investigators discover what happened in the hours leading up to the death of a local man. Investigators are asking people to check their security cameras in the area near Homestead Road and Los Olivos Drive on the date of Feb. 9, 2026, around 1 a.m.

Investigators are looking for Thomas Simpkins, who was last seen wearing a black, short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and red/white/black basketball shoes.

On Feb. 8, 2026, around 9:30 p.m., Simpkins was dropped off in the area of Pruneridge Avenue and Lawrence Expressway in Santa Clara. Officers have not said what happened between 9:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. that evening, but they believe he was near Homestead Road and Los Olivos Drive later that night. They now need the public’s help checking surveillance cameras in the area.

Simpkins was reported missing on Feb. 9 when he did not show up for work. His body was found on Feb. 14 at 2:32 p.m. when SCPD officers responded to reports of a body in the San Tomas Aquino Creek south of Tasman Drive.

According to NBC Bay Area, Simpkins was identified by the large tattoo of his last name across his back. The news agency spoke to his sister, who says he had attended a BBQ in South San Jose earlier that day and had taken an Uber home. His sister told NBC Bay Area that Simpkins was found without a wallet or cellphone.

The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner has issued a preliminary report on Simpkins’ death. SCPD says it is still awaiting a “full report” from the Medical Examiner’s office for additional information.

SCPD investigators ask that anyone with evidence or additional information contact Det. Sgt. Bell at dbell@santaclaraca.gov. People may also leave an anonymous tip at the SCPD Anonymous Tip Line at (408) 615-4TIP.