Things were going as planned for Smika, according to the documents, late on July 31. Darlene Smika the mother of the missing suspect, who vanished in 1986 refused to speak with detectives, police reported. But he had plenty of other friends and acquaintances. The suspect, roommate Thayne Smika, has been on the run since 1986 over theft charges. The 22-year-old University of Colorado student had been dating Robert Redford's daughter Shauna Redford for three years at the time of his death, and she was so devastated by the loss that she dropped out of college. /Metadata 6 0 R>> A Denver district attorney has called parts of Colorado, "the Wild West of weed." Sales across state lines have pitted one legal jurisdiction against another, as marijuana laws differ widely around the country. Smika, who was 24 years old in 1983, was a drifter without a job who was attempting to avoid paying his bills and being arrested by the police after failing to make a mortgage payment on a home he had purchased with a friend. But he came anyway because of his close friendship with Wells. The FBI said Smika's abandoned car was found in California in 1986, but other than that, there's been no sign of him since he was released from custody. He also had a fondness for cocaine, according to police interviews with friends, a habit he could not afford. Marshal Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who is . Stories worth watching (13 Videos) Roommate missing after killing Although he says he doesnt know what went into Hunters decision or why the former DA decided to reach the agreement with Smika, he says hes still left with questions. Trujillo said if Smika is still alive, he's confident he'll eventually be caught and prosecuted and the case will finally be solved. I have not been in touch with him, and I have no intentions of trying to do so. Sam Carlson Port Protection Singer Son Kelly Carlson Makes An Appearance On The Show, Jason Segel Siblings Are Sister Alison Segel and Brother Adam Segel, DB Woodside And Golden Brooks Daughter Dakota Tao Brooks-Woodside, Deena Nicole Cortese Sister Joanie Maiorella Works As A Science Teacher, Khary Payton Parents Victor Payton And Gwendolyn Middleton Payton Raised Him With His Other Siblings, Ritchie Coster Wife Jan Conklin Is Operations Consultant With A Lot Of Experience, Stefania Spampinato Wished Her Sister Daniela Spampinato On Her New Journey, Was Thayne Smika Found? Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. MDAA is an independent state agency whose mission is to support the eleven elected Massachusetts District Attorneys and their staff, including approximately 785 prosecutors and 260 victim-witness advocates. He has not been seen since. Call 1-866-THE-HUNT (In Mexico: 0188000990546) or click here. Police released his 1983 mugshot and an age-progressed image of what he might look like today. . "Maybe somebody will see something, maybe they'll remember something and they'll call us up and give us some information," Boulder Police Detective Commander Thomas Trujillo said. Following his release from detention, they claimed it's conceivable Thayne spent a significant amount of time living in Yelapa, Mexico. Thayne Smika has been missing since 1986 after his mother posted a bond for the 1983 murder of his roommate Sid Wells. 15:04 GMT 09 Aug 2014. They can do all they want, but I have had no contact with him.. One of the most high-profile murders in Colorado's history remains unsolved after nearly 34 years, but police and prosecutors know who their suspect is and have an active warrant for his arrest. Smika's mother) Thayne Alan Smika, a white male, DOB February 27, 1959, and then described as being 5-11, 140 pounds with Brown Hair and Brown Eyes, was at the residence and the detectives notified him of the murder. Feb 24, 2023, 3:22 PM. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. Robert Redford said in 1997 that Wells' murder still haunted him. In 2011, the Boulder County District Attorneys office approved an arrest warrant for Smika on first-degree murder but his whereabouts are unknown. At some point, Sid went up to Shaunas apartment to stay with her. 'The Hunt': Thayne Smika . One of the most high-profile murders in Colorados history remains unsolved after nearly 34 years, but police and prosecutors know who their suspect is and have an active warrant for his arrest. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. Report inappropriate content . Smika moved to Denver then eventually left for California. endobj Burkhalter, who had become a homicide detective, thought that the suspect might be a former patient at the clinic. In 1997, a police officer posing as a journalism student talked to Smika's mother, who said her son had changed his name because he was afraid for his life because he knew who the real killer was. But authorities could not find him. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Source: CNN. www.officer.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Or, keep up-to-date on the latest news and weather with the Denver7 apps for iPhone/iPads, Android and Kindle. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers. The Smika family name was found in the USA in 1920. Police said a possible motive was that Smika owed Wells $300 for rent that day. According to the affidavit, Boulder police received the requested information from the phone companies on Feb. 24. In 1986 his abandoned car, a Dodge Aries, was found in Beverly Hills wiped clean of prints. . After testing the crime scene, interviewing Smika at his mothers home, and finding a 20-gauge shotgun there the same weapon Wells had been killed with police arrested Smika on October 6, 1983, for first-degree murder. July 31, 2013 / 9:40 PM The trail has been frozen, but Boulder police said they haven't given up. His sister, Tava Smika, currently lives in Vaughn, MT. While Smika was arrested on Oct. 6, 1983, about two months after the slaying, then-District Attorney Alex Hunter declined to charge him, saying there wasn't enough evidence. His vehicle was recovered in Hollywood, CA in 1986. Sid, Shauna and a friend eventually ended up back at Sid and Smikas apartment, and they drank and used cocaine, according to the documents. A Boulder County grand jury was convened to investigate the homicide but failed to issue an indictment in 1985 after Hunter made a secret agreement with Smika's public . Colo. police seek help with high-profile cold case. 01:37 - Source: CNN. The former DA, Hunter, served as the Boulder County District Attorney from 1973 to 2001, when Mary Lacy became head of the office. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He was in debt, ducking out on bills and hiding from authorities, and was said to be sloppy, usually unemployed, moody, and easily set off by those who knew him. However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. Thayne Smika disappeared in 1986, and the police didn't issue an arrest order for him until 2011. Theyll find nothing, he said. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Smika charged, but DA's deal throws case into disarray. The district attorney's office in Boulder County . Sam called police, who arrived shortly afterward. According to the documents, he told some of his friends, as well as Sid, that he was able to figure out who the culprit was, and that he went and got the man drunk, then stole back the drugs and money, which he was supposed to deliver to Sid on the morning of Aug. 1, along with his rent. An aspiring journalist, Wells also was part of the universitys Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. But he was perhaps best-known around town in 1983 for being the guy who was dating Robert Redfords daughter, Shauna, who was also a student at CU at the time. DENVER In August 1983, Sid Wells was 22 years old and about to enter his senior year at CU Boulder with dreams of becoming a broadcast journalist. Thayne Smika for decades has been considered the main suspect in the death of Wells, 22, who was living with his brother and Smika in Boulder's Spanish Towers when his body was found Aug. 1,. In Sids obituary, Shauna was listed as survivor, girlfriend and best friend. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Colorado investigators are asking for help finding a man suspected of killing Sid Wells, a 22-year-old college student who was dating actor-director Robert Redford' Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers. However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. Police focused their attention on Thayne Smika and, when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him. Thayne Smika is accused of fatally shooting his roommate in the back of the head on August 1, 1983, in their Spanish Towers apartment after Sid Wells demanded Smika pay back his rent. Police and the family believe he changed his name and disappeared. Robert was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at the time of his brothers death, but has long maintained an active role in the investigation. and Reply. Im thinking, no, thats not real; thats not right. Smika says he told Sid about the trip the night before. For a list of Offices and access to their websites, either select "Directory of District Attorney Offices" or select a location on the map. The case was presented to a grand jury but the District Attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, did not believe he had enough evidence to try Smika and released him from custody. The day before a long-sought arrest warrant in the high-profile 1983 slaying of Sid Wells was unsealed, Boulder police simultaneously called six relatives of prime suspect Thayne Smika to ask whether they had any information on the 52-year-olds whereabouts, according to newly released court records. For interview, call Sid, 443-****, evenings.Si. Subscribe Last Name: Smika. When Wells was assassinated, he had just started his final year at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old. I hope its solved, he said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sid told his mom his new roommate was kind of weird and unsocial but, since he came from a small, neighboring town near the Wells family, Sid thoughthe must be OK. Smika rented the room. Smika, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay Wells the day he was killed, investigators said. Shauna, the daughter of Robert Redford and his first wife, Lola Van Wagenen, whom he divorced in 1985, dated Sid Wells for three years, and in his obituary she was listed among his survivors. Middle Name: Alan. The only problem is no one has seen Thayne Smika since 1986 or even called him by that name. <> Boulder detectives suspect that Smikas parents and siblings upon learning of the new warrant, which was signed by a judge Dec. 2 and placed under seal might have alerted him to the fact that police were ready to arrest him, according to court documents. Sid, it turns out, had a decent amount of the drug reportedly spending around $2,000 for an ounce at one point, though it wasnt clear how he got the money. I dont know why anyone would ever agree ahead of time not to respect the decision that a grand jury is going to return.. endobj Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. The comments below have not been moderated, By A photo that accompanied a 1983 Associated Press article about Wells funeral showed the weeping young woman being comforted by her father on their way to the service. The documents detail several personal timelines from people interviewed by detectives that investigators say show Smika was his killer. However, then-Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter declined to file charges, and Smika moved away in 1986. . 6: 6 "Trafficking in . Looking out the windows at the Louisville Police Station, Hayes saw flames consuming nearby bushes. Wanted for: Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - First Degree Murder Wanted by: FBI Hair: Black: Height . Sid Wells in 1983 (credit: Boulder Police Department). Im 100 percent. Smika was arrested on Oct. 6, 1983 for first-degree murder. Boulder police are asking for help finding Smika, suspected of killing Sid Wells, a 22-year-old. But when he walked inside, he found Sid dead on the floor with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Police arrested Wells' roommate Thayne Smika but the Boulder County District Attorney at the time did not think there was sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. Associated Press, June Menger, the mother of murdered 22-year-old college student Sid Wells, hasn't given up hope police will find his killer, Thayne Smika, now 54, is being sought in 1983 murder of 22-year-old Sid Wells, Wells was found dead from 20-gauge shotgun blast to the back of the head in his home, Well had been dating Robert Redford's daughter, Shauna, for three years, Police believe Smika, Well's ex-roommate, has been living under alias, 'Did the HPV vaccine kill my daughter': Mother demands answers after healthy and active daughter, 12, collapses and dies after getting vaccine, Murder charges could be brought against gunman who tried to assassinate Reagan after coroner rules death this week of press secretary paralyzed in attack is homicide, Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Shocking video shows machete fight playing out in broad daylight, Cops smashes window and rescue two kids from a parked car, Moment pastor FOILS armed robbery after praying for gunmen, TikTok video shows Unity Academy Blackpool pupils protesting, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Dramatic moment police cars chase driver moments before smash. 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