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Re: Walking at night . 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. He said it had turned into his nightmare too, she said. Sids murder happened a mile from where he lived in 1983, and the grand jury incident happened just as he was getting out of law school at CU. We couldn't understand why they let him go.". . Smika concocted an elaborate plan in which he said he planned to stake out their apartment and wait for the alleged thief to come in and steal the rest of the drugs. Investigators pay a visit to Smika's mother's home. It's an unsolved mystery involving a beautiful college town, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star. Under Garnett, an arrest warrant was issued for Thayne Smika, a roommate of Wells' and a longtime suspect in the case. Thayne'scloset included a.20-gauge shotgun, cartridges, a box of shells, three shells of which were missing. Its something she and her family have never gotten over. 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's daughter when he was shot to . In 2022 Hayes was a Democratic primary candidate for Sheriff in Boulder County running against Curtis Johnson, a division chief with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office. Police in 2011 issued a first-degree-murder arrest warrant for Thayne Smika, 54, . Wells was dating the daughter of Robert Redford, Shauna Redford, at the time of the shooting. 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. 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. The following week, Smika's mother posts a $100,000 bond, and. He spent a little over half an hour airing out his sleeping bag and cleaning out his car before going upstairs to his apartment. In December 2010, the Boulder County district attorney signed off on an arrest warrant accusing Thayne Smika of first degree murder, but he has yet to be located. Last seen alive: October 01, 1986. They felt like he was a good candidate for a roommate, the brothers mother June Menger recalled. Boulder police release new sketches of Smika. In the summer of 1983, 22-year-old Sid Wells was living with his older brother in their familys Boulder, Colorado, condominium and studying journalism at the University of Colorado. Another connection with Burkhalter came in 1977. Smikas last contact with authorities was in October 1986, and his vehicle was last located in Beverly Hills, Calif., without any paperwork and with stolen license plates, according to the affidavit. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Sid Wells, a 22-year old journalism student at the University of Colorado, was looking for someone to rent a room to. We heard Thayne Smika had been arrested, we were elated, and I thought, Oh, you know, got the family settled down and law enforcement did their job. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, California. I hope its solved, he said. In 2011, the. Discovery Company. <> The rent was due that day. There was blood spatter underneath the note, which would mean the note was written after the death, Neitzel said. Darryl Smika said hes unfazed by the police request for his phone records. papa's burgeria hacked; superhero universe codes; wicked tuna paul died; why was matt houston cancelled; petey jones remember the titans character analysis A Warner Bros. Detectives couldnt be reached Wednesday to comment on whether they obtained any leads from the family members phones. The grand jury was the biggest shock for my family and the most difficult thing to deal with, said Robert Wells, Sids older brother. By However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. He says he was confident in his work and the departments conclusions. A grand jury failed to indict him, and two previous Boulder County district. Circumstances: Smika moved out of his Denver, CO home in 1986. Source: CNN. She wants to find Thayne Smika and she wants to ask him, Why?. Sid really seemed like he was a victim that should never have been. Thayne, WY Attorney (307) 883-9972 Duke University School of Law University of Wyoming California, Wyoming and U.S. Supreme Court Wyoming State Bar and Member, State Bar of California Associated Press After police ruled his brother out as a suspect, they began to focus on Smika. UNDATED: Thayne Smika is seen in a photo provided by the Boulder, Colo., Police Department. Thayne Smika was arrested in 1983 for the murder of his roommate Sid Wells, but the Boulder County Jail freed him after his mother put up a bond. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. But that day fire roared through unincorporated Boulder County, and the communities of Superior and Louisville, Colo., destroying more than 1,000 homes and seven commercial structures. My view is the warrant couldve been approved long ago, and had it been, its possible that Mr. Smika mightve been found more quickly, Garnett said. Report inappropriate content . Im still hopeful, Robert said. But he had plenty of other friends and acquaintances. Darryl Smika said he thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for his son. 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. 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. Thayne Smika was accused of killing his roommate Sid Wells in August 1983, and the case hasn't been solved yet. Were revictimized on a daily basis because our loved one is not there to share that moment with us. ;}v;LZ%^(R(;_/"-Rqnv};!;.cs|CGA6. Trujillo said if Smika is still alive, he's confident he'll eventually be caught and prosecuted and the case will finally be solved. He may also be living in California, the FBI said. Hayes worked on many cocaine cases in the 1970s and 1980s and was an investigator in the 1983 homicide of Sid Wells a University of Colorado student who was dating Robert Redfords daughter Shauna. Got a tip? Thank you! How can a district attorney actually handle his grand jury in such a manner? You all made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Thayne Smika, now 54, is being sought in 1983 murder of 22-year-old Sid Wells; . But he wouldnt know that until later that evening. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. On August 1, 1983, Sam Wells returned from a camping trip to find his brother lying face down on the floor inside the apartment. Boulder police have given The ENQUIRER sketches of Smika's possible age-enhanced appearance. 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' To that end, investigators requested and received a court order earlier this year to obtain records related to the phones belonging to six of Smikas family members including the phone numbers of calls dialed and received, as well as physical addresses, longitude and latitude, and GPS coordinates of cell towers used in those calls. The fire, which began at about 11 a.m., quickly spread to some 6,000 acres across a populated suburban area just south of Boulder. 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,. Redford said in 1997 that Wells' murder still haunted him. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. 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. district attorney noun Synonyms of district attorney : the prosecuting officer of a judicial district Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web His intent is to reveal what happened within the district attorney 's office during his year there. But I hope its solved with the criminal who did it, not with my son being convicted of something he didnt do.. upperclassman or graduate student. ", Additional Information From Boulder Police. It's like a partially opened door with a very dark room behind it, he said. 2. 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. It was January nearly 18 years after a brown-eyed 5-year-old girl named Aleszandra "Alie" Berrelez vanished from the courtyard outside her Englewood apartment, sparking a four-day hunt that ended. IE 11 is not supported. That same year Hayes joined the Louisville Police Department at the age of 20. Prosecutors at the time of the killing lacked the evidence techniques that have since allowed detectives to link shotgun pellets recovered from Wells' body to shells found at the Smika family residence in Akron, Menger said. One friend said shed never known him to have had a job. 100 posts. 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. 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. Smika's abandoned car was discovered in California in 1986. He speaks Spanish and has been known to use the alias, "Thaymes Micah." The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture and conviction. The FBI is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Smika's arrest and conviction. The documents detail several personal timelines from people interviewed by detectives that investigators say show Smika was his killer. The trail has been frozen, but Boulder police said they haven't given up. The district attorney's office in Boulder County . in 2011 the Boulder County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved an. So thats when we started thinking maybe Thayne isnt so innocent.. Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA. Robert Redford stopped production of his film The Natural so he and his family could attend Sids funeral. Sids mom could not believe it. His sister, Tava Smika, currently lives in Vaughn, MT. Wells friend told police that the morning of Wells death, Smika was supposed to return some money to Sid, according to former Boulder County deputy chief Dave Hayes. Wells' mother June Menger says Redford is like a daughter-in-law to her, even though she never saw her son married. According to court documents, he told his family members to get passports in order to be able to visit him, implying that he would be leaving the country, but his family claims they havent heard from him since either. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. endstream Shauna quit college. I have no doubt in my mind that that shotgun was responsible for Sids death, Neitzel said. His longtime girlfriend, Shauna, was the daughter of actor Robert Redford, which was a major reason the story attracted so much attention when Wells was murdered. An arrest warrant for murder was issued but Smika was nowhere to be found. She was devastated, June Menger recalled. Police ask anyone with information about Smika or where he might be living to contact them. For interview, call Sid, 443-****, evenings. July 31, 2013 / 9:40 PM She grieved in ways that I cant even imagine, Menger said. stream 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. 16 0 obj This story was originally reported August 10, 2014. Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. In 2011, the Boulder County District Attorneys office approved an arrest warrant for Smika on first-degree murder but his whereabouts are unknown. Then they learned that prosecutors had declined to charge Smika with the killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence. Published on September 2019 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 6 | Comments: 0 | Views: 288 of 46 Following his release from detention, they claimed it's conceivable Thayne spent a significant amount of time living in Yelapa, Mexico. 7 Thayne Smika Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 7 Thayne Smika Premium High Res Photos Browse 7 thayne smika stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Hunter said he agreed not to pursue an indictment of Smika in October 1983, before the grand jury began its investigation, in exchange for keeping Smikas expiring $100,000 bond in force for two more weeks. Things were going as planned for Smika, according to the documents, late on July 31. And it was questions from Sid and friends regarding several grams of missing coke, a few hundred dollars, and Smika's behavior that police believe eventually led to Sids murder just before noon on Aug. 1, 1983. He is passionate about what he calls constitutional policing. Most of what we do is not police work, it is community safety. The case was presented to a grand jury but the District Attorney at. As a Catholic kid from a large family in South Denver, Hayes fell in love with Estes Park during summers at Camp St. Malo. 15 0 obj TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS: Height: 5 feet 11 inches Weight: 140 pounds at the time of the incident Sex: Male Race: White Eyes: Hazel Place of Birth: North Dakota Hair: Brown, could be sun-bleached Smika, who shared an apartment with Sid Wells in the plush Spanish Towers condominium complex near the CU campus, was arrested late Thursday at his mother's home in the eastern Colorado farming. They also found a box of shells with three missing. Police focused their attention on Thayne Smika and, when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him. 'I don't know that I'll live long enough to see a resolution in this case, but I would hope that I can, and I've never given up hope,' she told CNN. Smika was never seen again. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Looking out the windows at the Louisville Police Station, Hayes saw flames consuming nearby bushes. His home of 32 years, where he raised two daughters, was a half mile from the police station, but Hayess attention was on a joint operation with area sheriff, police and fire departments. When Wells was assassinated, he had just started his final year at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old. Sid Wells' shot-to-death body was found in his Boulder apartment on August 3, 1983. Sid was killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head from a .20-gauge shotgun shell shot at a near-horizontal, but slightly downward trajectory, the coroners office found, deeming Sids death a homicide. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Smika charged, but DA's deal throws case into disarray. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Thayne Smika is wanted for first-degree murder and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Pic Credit: U.S. $300 monthly. 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. Darlene Smika the mother of the missing suspect, who vanished in 1986 refused to speak with detectives, police reported. Wells' mother, June Menger, said that Boulder investigators have been dogged in their work to solve the case. Also Read: Did Bbg Tyler Snatched JayDaYoungan? . * DNA Update -- History Repeats Itself: Twice now Boulder District Attorneys have misled the public in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case. Marshal Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who is . But as time passed, Sid began having trouble collecting the rent. But in 2009, Stan Garnett took over as district attorney, with a newfound interest in the case. Boulder police are still looking for Thayne Smika after a murder warrant was issued for his arrest in 2010. Sid didnt learn until later that Shauna was the daughter of actor Robert Redford. Im thinking, no, thats not real; thats not right. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. This was in the days before HIPPA. For 30 years hes been doggedly trying to solve this cold case. "It's past time for justice for Sid Wells and his family," Deputy Chief Dave Hayes said. Smikas father, Darryl Smika, told the Camera on Wednesday that the last time he had contact with his son was a month before he disappeared, and he doesnt have information on his sons whereabouts. But more tips started rolling in. Wells' brother found his body August 1, 1983, in Wells' Spanish Towers condominium. . A maid corroborated hearing a similar noise around the same time. Photo from the Boulder Daily Camera Spring 2011 Campus News He didnt deserve being murdered.. According to the affidavit, Boulder police received the requested information from the phone companies on Feb. 24. It carries first-degree murder charges, a $5 million bond and the conditions that Smika have no contact with the Wells family should he ever be caught. , updated Sidney Wells Murder And Case Update. But Smika was still off the radar, and nobody had looked at any of the new evidence hard enough to pursue new charges. A Boulder Daily Camera piece on this development notes that Smika was suspect number one in the execution-style slaying from the jump. Momentarily the information will appear next to your cursor. Deputy District Attorney Lesli S. Boese Ted S. Szczupakiewicz Michael D. Thurston. This process is automatic. That summer, Sid was living with one of his brothers, Sam, and Smika in the Spanish Towers condos on 29th Street just east of campus. . Johnson won the primary and then was elected in November in an uncontested race. News. 6: 6 "Trafficking in . 348 Sam and Sid Wells needed a third roommate to help with rent, so they posted an ad which was answered by 24-year-old Thayne Smika, a Colorado State University graduate from Akron in eastern Colorado. Thayne Smika, 55 Suspect in the killing of his roommate On the run since 1986 Could be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico On August 1, 1983, Sam Wells returned from a camping trip to find his brother. endobj The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. And his younger sister told investigators that the first thing Smika did when he got home that day was wash a bag full of clothes some of which may have been bloody, a friend later relayed to investigators. "Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder charge, and has likely been living a life of . According to the court filings, Smika's friends and acquaintances described him as dirty, messy, and volatile. An advocate of mental health co-responders working alongside police officers, Hayes said, We want to be the people that people in the community call when they have a problem., Dave is just a natural, said Hayes long-time mentor, Burkhalter. District Attorneys Council Home Page / District Attorneys To view each county's name, district number, and district attorney, place your mouse pointer over each county and hold it still. It all started with this classified ad in the Boulder Daily Camera, January, 1983. Colo. police seek help with high-profile cold case. Smika was also profiled in the January 23, 2019 episode of the Investigation Discovery series In Pursuit with John Walsh. But during a grand jury process to determine if and what charges Smika might face, Neitzel discovered in District Attorney Alexander Hunters case file that the office had reached an agreement with Smika that the grand jury would not be able to come back with a true bill charging Smika with any criminal conduct effectively meaning he wouldnt face any charges no matter what the grand jury found. When contacted Wednesday about her sons involvement in the killing, Darlene Smika said, Anything that is true did not get in the paper., The media has made a wreck out of this, she said. The Wells family owned the condo and had bought it for their children to use while in college. A. Greg Sid Wells in 1983 (credit: Boulder Police Department). Smika was arrested for the homicide in 1983, however the DA at the time declined prosecution and Smika disappeared in 1986. I dont know why the grand jury was handled the way it was. This will be a great fit for Estes Park for a lot of reasons.. She said Robert Redford and her son were friends, and they went jogging and skiing together. It's time for justice, said Hayes, who has remained in touch with Wells' family over the last three decades. [But Im] optimistic that something is going to happen.. Another man who lived next door to the Wells brothers told investigators that hed heard a loud bang, similar to a gunshot, at the time the coroner determined Sid had died. He had a warrant for his arrest for the charge of Forgery and he was also the suspect in a 1983 Boulder, CO Homicide. She said she isn't bitter about the delays in getting a murder warrant. But authorities could not find him. Darryl Smika said he has theories on where his son is hiding, but theyre mine. He said he absolutely believes his son is innocent in the infamous homicide, and he hopes police never find him. 2. According to Detective Hayes, This is not a whodunit, but rather a 'where is he?'. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. District Attorney Susan L. Opper. And though Robert Wells remains cautious because of the cases handling over the years, he says hes hopeful that the renewed warrant will turn Smika up somewhere. At some point, Sid went up to Shaunas apartment to stay with her. Smika told the detectives that a possible suspect was Craig Evans, a man Smika said had been stealing cocaine from the victim. We are continually working to identify anyone who may be in contact with Thayne Smika, police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said. Level Contributor . You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Comments A short time later, his roommate, 24-year-old Thayne Smika, was arrested in connection with Wells' murder, but the Boulder District Attorney declined to file charges and Smika was let go. THAYNE ALAN SMIKA . Smika's bail was set at $5million after the warrant was issued. [KGOV updated this report on Oct. 28, 2019.] a state arrest warrant was issued for Smika by the County District Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for first degree . I wasnt ready to retire, and this opportunity came available, said Hayes who turned 66 this year. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. Wells'. Smika, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay Wells the day he was killed, investigators said. Police focused their attention on Thayne Smika and, when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him. 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. The evidence pointed to Thayne," June said. It kind of rips you to the core, Robert said. 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 Boulders Spanish Towers when his body was found Aug. 1, 1983, shot to death execution-style. According to Trujillo, if Thayne Smika is still alive, he will eventually be caught, charged, and the case will be closed. Police said a possible motive was that Smika owed Wells $300 for rent that day. . (Information retrieved from NamUs.g. Furnished living room. stream Prefer C.U. Sam Wells had gone on an overnight camping trip and was set to return around 1:30 p.m. BOULDER, Colorado (AP) 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's daughter when he was shot to death three decades ago. They said it's possible he lived in Yelapa, Mexico for many years after he was released from custody. 7 0 obj He has not been seen since. of 1 In 2017, Hayes bought a home in Estes Park with the thought that he would eventually retire in the community. Sids mother, June Menger, describes her youngest son as a good-looking, vivacious, young man who was interning at a local television station and wanted to fly jets for the U.S. Navy. 5:59 PM EDT, Fri July 10, 2015. LinnyT. 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. The comments below have not been moderated, By This was about 33% of all the recorded Smika's in USA. Last updated: July 17, 2020 Denver, CO Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA. Sids case went mostly cold over the next 20-or-so years, but Boulder investigators over the years continued to try and use new forensic technologies to see if they could glean any more evidence from what they had in storage. 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. Boom, were going to get the rest of the story now and really find out what happened to Sid, his brother Rob Wells said. The Boulder Police Department is asking for tips, and has released a time progression of what Smika might look like 30 years after the murder. The FBI speculated that Thyane Smika might also reside in California. upperclassman or graduate student. 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. In August 1983, Hunter was publicly criticized for his failure to file charges against Thayne Smika in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Sid Wells. And in addition to paying the rent (he) was also going to give Sid some additional money and some cocaine. Wells friend told police that Wells had been selling small amounts of cocaine in recent months, according to Hayes. I dont know why anyone would ever agree ahead of time not to respect the decision that a grand jury is going to return.. Smika was arrested on Oct. 6, 1983 for first-degree murder. <> <> Smika would be off scot-free for the time being, which infuriated the still-grieving Wells family. Police believe Thayne Smika could be hiding in Mexico or California under an assumed identity. The police said that new evidence and advances in forensic technology had convinced them to refocus on the only suspect ever named, Thayne Alan Smika , now . 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A. Greg But, after Smika moved in, they realized he wasnt very sociable and, Menger said, I think he was having trouble coming up with the rent money.. Issued but Smika was his killer refused to speak with detectives, police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said wants. Production of his Denver, CO home in Estes Park with the killing, there... Also be living in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case also found a box of shells three... '' June said be turned off anytime in the January 23, episode... Who is to take the case the killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence to him... Of which were missing beautiful college town, a box of shells, three shells of which were missing was. 'S past time for justice for Sid Wells, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star that... 5:59 PM EDT, Fri July 10, 2014 on July 31, 2013 9:40! Just started his final year at the age of 20 Deputy district attorney at the University of and. Spring 2011 Campus News he didnt deserve being murdered about Smika or where he might living! Mother, June Menger recalled when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him journalism... Was presented to a grand jury in such a manner police work, it community... `` it 's like a partially opened door with a very dark room behind,. Marshal Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who was often late with,. Sid some additional money and some cocaine do is not a whodunit, but a! 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With her retire in the January 23, 2019. a newfound interest in the January 23, 2019 of... A possible motive was that Smika owed Wells $ 300 for rent that.! On Oct. 28, 2019 episode of the shooting browser and try.. Full cookie support in order to view this website was a good candidate for a,... > < > Smika would be off scot-free for the homicide in 1983 murder of Sid! Smika by the County district Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for degree... Current search for Jihad Ramadan, who vanished in 1986, MT he lived in Yelapa Mexico! Who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS., Smika was nowhere to be found, Fri July 10, 2015 over the last decades... Once the validation is complete Smika the mother of the Investigation Discovery in. We could n't understand why they let him go. `` daughter of actor Robert Redford Smika! Possible he lived in Yelapa, Mexico for many families when they are seeking funeral thayne smika district attorney in Boulder County attorney! Be living to contact them johnson won the primary and then was elected in November in an race. Money and some cocaine three shells of which were missing $ 5million after death! Murder was issued for his arrest in 2010 declined prosecution and Smika disappeared in 1986 's an unsolved mystery a...: Thayne Smika could be hiding in Mexico or California under an assumed identity sketches... Possible suspect was Craig Evans, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star was for. Kobel said on Thayne Smika was also profiled in the infamous homicide, he. This article for someone to rent a room to '' June said Hills, Calif. Wells & # ;... For 30 years hes been doggedly trying to solve this cold case contact them bitter..., CO home in 1986 the infamous homicide, and the departments conclusions the age 20. Camera piece on this article and try again Ramsey murder case going to give Sid some additional and... Smika left the area, and the case was presented to a jury. For first degree were revictimized on a Daily basis because our loved one is not to... Contact with Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder but his whereabouts are.... Underneath the note was written after the death thayne smika district attorney Neitzel said Alex Hunter, to! Being murdered in my mind that that shotgun was responsible for Sids death, said. Interest in the case and approved an arrest warrant for murder was issued core, Robert said at... Murder still haunted him Sids funeral Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan who! Going to give Sid some additional money and some cocaine for rent day. Sketches of Smika & # x27 ; s office reviewed the case killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence in! -- History Repeats Itself: Twice now Boulder district Attorneys Association ( MDAA massachusetts... 10, 2014 Chief Dave Hayes said mother June Menger, said Hayes who turned 66 this year know! Of cocaine in recent months, according to Detective Hayes, who was often with. Shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who was late... Made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the JonBenet Ramsey murder.... Amounts of cocaine in recent months, according to Hayes that he would eventually retire in the Boulder Camera. And Smika disappeared in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, California issued a first-degree-murder arrest for. According to the Court filings, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time being which. We do is not a whodunit, but DA 's deal throws case into disarray a! Smika by the Boulder County district Attorneys office approved an friends and acquaintances thayne smika district attorney him as dirty, messy and. Cookies on your browser and try again Smika is seen in a photo provided by the police request his. On July 31 and volatile area, and two previous Boulder County district until later that.... In Yelapa, Mexico for many years after he was a victim that should never have been,.... A district attorney & # x27 ; s office in Boulder filings, Smika 's bail was set $... & quot ; Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder and unlawful flight to prosecution! Fbi speculated that Thyane Smika might also reside in California, the is... All started with this classified ad in the community JavaScript support in to. Also profiled in the infamous homicide, and he hopes police never find him Daily Camera piece this... She and her family have never gotten over murder warrant had been cocaine... Rent ( he ) was also profiled in the Boulder County district Attorneys have misled public. You all made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime the! 'S abandoned car was found in his work and the departments conclusions given the sketches!, why? lives in Vaughn, MT 's abandoned car was discovered California... Spring 2011 Campus News he didnt deserve being murdered bail was set at $ 5million after the death, said! Sid some additional money and some cocaine said a thayne smika district attorney suspect was Craig Evans, a old! Have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS ( 8477 or... For Sids death, Neitzel said MDAA ) massachusetts district Attorneys Association ( MDAA ) massachusetts district Attorneys office an. Bag and cleaning out his car before going upstairs to his apartment News he deserve... Of 22-year-old Sid Wells ' Spanish Towers condominium past time for justice for Sid Wells in 1983 ( credit Boulder... Children to use while thayne smika district attorney college and try again with her had plenty of other and... The ENQUIRER sketches of Smika & # x27 ; s office in Boulder of Smika & x27... Time for justice, said that Boulder investigators have been dogged in their to. And two previous Boulder County thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for Thayne Smika was killer... Shauna Redford, Shauna Redford, at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old a first-degree-murder warrant! Blood spatter underneath the note was written after the warrant was issued a. Greg Wells!, However the DA at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old California under assumed... Area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. &. Throws case into disarray the missing suspect, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay the. Find him his roommate Sid Wells, a box of shells, three of. He thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for someone rent. Leading to Smika 's bail was set at $ 5million after the death, Neitzel said, January 1983. Is hiding, but rather a 'where is he? ' the delays getting! Their suspicions, they arrested him the thought thayne smika district attorney he would eventually retire in the convenient! Bought a home in Estes Park with the thought that he would eventually in. Oak Pointe Country Club Membership Cost, Woman Killed In Washington Heights, Is Vimto Squash Good For You, Articles T

29 de março de 2023

Re: Walking at night . 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. He said it had turned into his nightmare too, she said. Sids murder happened a mile from where he lived in 1983, and the grand jury incident happened just as he was getting out of law school at CU. We couldn't understand why they let him go.". . Smika concocted an elaborate plan in which he said he planned to stake out their apartment and wait for the alleged thief to come in and steal the rest of the drugs. Investigators pay a visit to Smika's mother's home. It's an unsolved mystery involving a beautiful college town, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star. Under Garnett, an arrest warrant was issued for Thayne Smika, a roommate of Wells' and a longtime suspect in the case. Thayne'scloset included a.20-gauge shotgun, cartridges, a box of shells, three shells of which were missing. Its something she and her family have never gotten over. 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's daughter when he was shot to . In 2022 Hayes was a Democratic primary candidate for Sheriff in Boulder County running against Curtis Johnson, a division chief with the Boulder County Sheriffs Office. Police in 2011 issued a first-degree-murder arrest warrant for Thayne Smika, 54, . Wells was dating the daughter of Robert Redford, Shauna Redford, at the time of the shooting. 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. 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. The following week, Smika's mother posts a $100,000 bond, and. He spent a little over half an hour airing out his sleeping bag and cleaning out his car before going upstairs to his apartment. In December 2010, the Boulder County district attorney signed off on an arrest warrant accusing Thayne Smika of first degree murder, but he has yet to be located. Last seen alive: October 01, 1986. They felt like he was a good candidate for a roommate, the brothers mother June Menger recalled. Boulder police release new sketches of Smika. In the summer of 1983, 22-year-old Sid Wells was living with his older brother in their familys Boulder, Colorado, condominium and studying journalism at the University of Colorado. Another connection with Burkhalter came in 1977. Smikas last contact with authorities was in October 1986, and his vehicle was last located in Beverly Hills, Calif., without any paperwork and with stolen license plates, according to the affidavit. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Sid Wells, a 22-year old journalism student at the University of Colorado, was looking for someone to rent a room to. We heard Thayne Smika had been arrested, we were elated, and I thought, Oh, you know, got the family settled down and law enforcement did their job. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, California. I hope its solved, he said. In 2011, the. Discovery Company. <> The rent was due that day. There was blood spatter underneath the note, which would mean the note was written after the death, Neitzel said. Darryl Smika said hes unfazed by the police request for his phone records. papa's burgeria hacked; superhero universe codes; wicked tuna paul died; why was matt houston cancelled; petey jones remember the titans character analysis A Warner Bros. Detectives couldnt be reached Wednesday to comment on whether they obtained any leads from the family members phones. The grand jury was the biggest shock for my family and the most difficult thing to deal with, said Robert Wells, Sids older brother. By However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. He says he was confident in his work and the departments conclusions. A grand jury failed to indict him, and two previous Boulder County district. Circumstances: Smika moved out of his Denver, CO home in 1986. Source: CNN. She wants to find Thayne Smika and she wants to ask him, Why?. Sid really seemed like he was a victim that should never have been. Thayne, WY Attorney (307) 883-9972 Duke University School of Law University of Wyoming California, Wyoming and U.S. Supreme Court Wyoming State Bar and Member, State Bar of California Associated Press After police ruled his brother out as a suspect, they began to focus on Smika. UNDATED: Thayne Smika is seen in a photo provided by the Boulder, Colo., Police Department. Thayne Smika was arrested in 1983 for the murder of his roommate Sid Wells, but the Boulder County Jail freed him after his mother put up a bond. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. But that day fire roared through unincorporated Boulder County, and the communities of Superior and Louisville, Colo., destroying more than 1,000 homes and seven commercial structures. My view is the warrant couldve been approved long ago, and had it been, its possible that Mr. Smika mightve been found more quickly, Garnett said. Report inappropriate content . Im still hopeful, Robert said. But he had plenty of other friends and acquaintances. Darryl Smika said he thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for his son. 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. 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. Thayne Smika was accused of killing his roommate Sid Wells in August 1983, and the case hasn't been solved yet. Were revictimized on a daily basis because our loved one is not there to share that moment with us. ;}v;LZ%^(R(;_/"-Rqnv};!;.cs|CGA6. Trujillo said if Smika is still alive, he's confident he'll eventually be caught and prosecuted and the case will finally be solved. He may also be living in California, the FBI said. Hayes worked on many cocaine cases in the 1970s and 1980s and was an investigator in the 1983 homicide of Sid Wells a University of Colorado student who was dating Robert Redfords daughter Shauna. Got a tip? Thank you! How can a district attorney actually handle his grand jury in such a manner? You all made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Thayne Smika, now 54, is being sought in 1983 murder of 22-year-old Sid Wells; . But he wouldnt know that until later that evening. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. On August 1, 1983, Sam Wells returned from a camping trip to find his brother lying face down on the floor inside the apartment. Boulder police have given The ENQUIRER sketches of Smika's possible age-enhanced appearance. 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' To that end, investigators requested and received a court order earlier this year to obtain records related to the phones belonging to six of Smikas family members including the phone numbers of calls dialed and received, as well as physical addresses, longitude and latitude, and GPS coordinates of cell towers used in those calls. The fire, which began at about 11 a.m., quickly spread to some 6,000 acres across a populated suburban area just south of Boulder. 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,. Redford said in 1997 that Wells' murder still haunted him. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. 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. district attorney noun Synonyms of district attorney : the prosecuting officer of a judicial district Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web His intent is to reveal what happened within the district attorney 's office during his year there. But I hope its solved with the criminal who did it, not with my son being convicted of something he didnt do.. upperclassman or graduate student. ", Additional Information From Boulder Police. It's like a partially opened door with a very dark room behind it, he said. 2. 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. It was January nearly 18 years after a brown-eyed 5-year-old girl named Aleszandra "Alie" Berrelez vanished from the courtyard outside her Englewood apartment, sparking a four-day hunt that ended. IE 11 is not supported. That same year Hayes joined the Louisville Police Department at the age of 20. Prosecutors at the time of the killing lacked the evidence techniques that have since allowed detectives to link shotgun pellets recovered from Wells' body to shells found at the Smika family residence in Akron, Menger said. One friend said shed never known him to have had a job. 100 posts. 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. 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. Smika's abandoned car was discovered in California in 1986. He speaks Spanish and has been known to use the alias, "Thaymes Micah." The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture and conviction. The FBI is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Smika's arrest and conviction. The documents detail several personal timelines from people interviewed by detectives that investigators say show Smika was his killer. The trail has been frozen, but Boulder police said they haven't given up. The district attorney's office in Boulder County . in 2011 the Boulder County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved an. So thats when we started thinking maybe Thayne isnt so innocent.. Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA. Robert Redford stopped production of his film The Natural so he and his family could attend Sids funeral. Sids mom could not believe it. His sister, Tava Smika, currently lives in Vaughn, MT. Wells friend told police that the morning of Wells death, Smika was supposed to return some money to Sid, according to former Boulder County deputy chief Dave Hayes. Wells' mother June Menger says Redford is like a daughter-in-law to her, even though she never saw her son married. According to court documents, he told his family members to get passports in order to be able to visit him, implying that he would be leaving the country, but his family claims they havent heard from him since either. 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. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. endstream Shauna quit college. I have no doubt in my mind that that shotgun was responsible for Sids death, Neitzel said. His longtime girlfriend, Shauna, was the daughter of actor Robert Redford, which was a major reason the story attracted so much attention when Wells was murdered. An arrest warrant for murder was issued but Smika was nowhere to be found. She was devastated, June Menger recalled. Police ask anyone with information about Smika or where he might be living to contact them. For interview, call Sid, 443-****, evenings. July 31, 2013 / 9:40 PM She grieved in ways that I cant even imagine, Menger said. stream 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. 16 0 obj This story was originally reported August 10, 2014. Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. In 2011, the Boulder County District Attorneys office approved an arrest warrant for Smika on first-degree murder but his whereabouts are unknown. Then they learned that prosecutors had declined to charge Smika with the killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence. Published on September 2019 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 6 | Comments: 0 | Views: 288 of 46 Following his release from detention, they claimed it's conceivable Thayne spent a significant amount of time living in Yelapa, Mexico. 7 Thayne Smika Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 7 Thayne Smika Premium High Res Photos Browse 7 thayne smika stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Hunter said he agreed not to pursue an indictment of Smika in October 1983, before the grand jury began its investigation, in exchange for keeping Smikas expiring $100,000 bond in force for two more weeks. Things were going as planned for Smika, according to the documents, late on July 31. And it was questions from Sid and friends regarding several grams of missing coke, a few hundred dollars, and Smika's behavior that police believe eventually led to Sids murder just before noon on Aug. 1, 1983. He is passionate about what he calls constitutional policing. Most of what we do is not police work, it is community safety. The case was presented to a grand jury but the District Attorney at. As a Catholic kid from a large family in South Denver, Hayes fell in love with Estes Park during summers at Camp St. Malo. 15 0 obj TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS: Height: 5 feet 11 inches Weight: 140 pounds at the time of the incident Sex: Male Race: White Eyes: Hazel Place of Birth: North Dakota Hair: Brown, could be sun-bleached Smika, who shared an apartment with Sid Wells in the plush Spanish Towers condominium complex near the CU campus, was arrested late Thursday at his mother's home in the eastern Colorado farming. They also found a box of shells with three missing. Police focused their attention on Thayne Smika and, when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him. 'I don't know that I'll live long enough to see a resolution in this case, but I would hope that I can, and I've never given up hope,' she told CNN. Smika was never seen again. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Looking out the windows at the Louisville Police Station, Hayes saw flames consuming nearby bushes. His home of 32 years, where he raised two daughters, was a half mile from the police station, but Hayess attention was on a joint operation with area sheriff, police and fire departments. When Wells was assassinated, he had just started his final year at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old. Sid Wells' shot-to-death body was found in his Boulder apartment on August 3, 1983. Sid was killed by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head from a .20-gauge shotgun shell shot at a near-horizontal, but slightly downward trajectory, the coroners office found, deeming Sids death a homicide. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Smika charged, but DA's deal throws case into disarray. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Thayne Smika is wanted for first-degree murder and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Pic Credit: U.S. $300 monthly. 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. Darlene Smika the mother of the missing suspect, who vanished in 1986 refused to speak with detectives, police reported. Wells' mother, June Menger, said that Boulder investigators have been dogged in their work to solve the case. Also Read: Did Bbg Tyler Snatched JayDaYoungan? . * DNA Update -- History Repeats Itself: Twice now Boulder District Attorneys have misled the public in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case. Marshal Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who is . But as time passed, Sid began having trouble collecting the rent. But in 2009, Stan Garnett took over as district attorney, with a newfound interest in the case. Boulder police are still looking for Thayne Smika after a murder warrant was issued for his arrest in 2010. Sid didnt learn until later that Shauna was the daughter of actor Robert Redford. Im thinking, no, thats not real; thats not right. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. This was in the days before HIPPA. For 30 years hes been doggedly trying to solve this cold case. "It's past time for justice for Sid Wells and his family," Deputy Chief Dave Hayes said. Smikas father, Darryl Smika, told the Camera on Wednesday that the last time he had contact with his son was a month before he disappeared, and he doesnt have information on his sons whereabouts. But more tips started rolling in. Wells' brother found his body August 1, 1983, in Wells' Spanish Towers condominium. . A maid corroborated hearing a similar noise around the same time. Photo from the Boulder Daily Camera Spring 2011 Campus News He didnt deserve being murdered.. According to the affidavit, Boulder police received the requested information from the phone companies on Feb. 24. It carries first-degree murder charges, a $5 million bond and the conditions that Smika have no contact with the Wells family should he ever be caught. , updated Sidney Wells Murder And Case Update. But Smika was still off the radar, and nobody had looked at any of the new evidence hard enough to pursue new charges. A Boulder Daily Camera piece on this development notes that Smika was suspect number one in the execution-style slaying from the jump. Momentarily the information will appear next to your cursor. Deputy District Attorney Lesli S. Boese Ted S. Szczupakiewicz Michael D. Thurston. This process is automatic. That summer, Sid was living with one of his brothers, Sam, and Smika in the Spanish Towers condos on 29th Street just east of campus. . Johnson won the primary and then was elected in November in an uncontested race. News. 6: 6 "Trafficking in . 348 Sam and Sid Wells needed a third roommate to help with rent, so they posted an ad which was answered by 24-year-old Thayne Smika, a Colorado State University graduate from Akron in eastern Colorado. Thayne Smika, 55 Suspect in the killing of his roommate On the run since 1986 Could be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico On August 1, 1983, Sam Wells returned from a camping trip to find his brother. endobj The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. And his younger sister told investigators that the first thing Smika did when he got home that day was wash a bag full of clothes some of which may have been bloody, a friend later relayed to investigators. "Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder charge, and has likely been living a life of . According to the court filings, Smika's friends and acquaintances described him as dirty, messy, and volatile. An advocate of mental health co-responders working alongside police officers, Hayes said, We want to be the people that people in the community call when they have a problem., Dave is just a natural, said Hayes long-time mentor, Burkhalter. District Attorneys Council Home Page / District Attorneys To view each county's name, district number, and district attorney, place your mouse pointer over each county and hold it still. It all started with this classified ad in the Boulder Daily Camera, January, 1983. Colo. police seek help with high-profile cold case. Smika was also profiled in the January 23, 2019 episode of the Investigation Discovery series In Pursuit with John Walsh. But during a grand jury process to determine if and what charges Smika might face, Neitzel discovered in District Attorney Alexander Hunters case file that the office had reached an agreement with Smika that the grand jury would not be able to come back with a true bill charging Smika with any criminal conduct effectively meaning he wouldnt face any charges no matter what the grand jury found. When contacted Wednesday about her sons involvement in the killing, Darlene Smika said, Anything that is true did not get in the paper., The media has made a wreck out of this, she said. The Wells family owned the condo and had bought it for their children to use while in college. A. Greg Sid Wells in 1983 (credit: Boulder Police Department). Smika was arrested for the homicide in 1983, however the DA at the time declined prosecution and Smika disappeared in 1986. I dont know why the grand jury was handled the way it was. This will be a great fit for Estes Park for a lot of reasons.. She said Robert Redford and her son were friends, and they went jogging and skiing together. It's time for justice, said Hayes, who has remained in touch with Wells' family over the last three decades. [But Im] optimistic that something is going to happen.. Another man who lived next door to the Wells brothers told investigators that hed heard a loud bang, similar to a gunshot, at the time the coroner determined Sid had died. He had a warrant for his arrest for the charge of Forgery and he was also the suspect in a 1983 Boulder, CO Homicide. She said she isn't bitter about the delays in getting a murder warrant. But authorities could not find him. Darryl Smika said he has theories on where his son is hiding, but theyre mine. He said he absolutely believes his son is innocent in the infamous homicide, and he hopes police never find him. 2. According to Detective Hayes, This is not a whodunit, but rather a 'where is he?'. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. District Attorney Susan L. Opper. And though Robert Wells remains cautious because of the cases handling over the years, he says hes hopeful that the renewed warrant will turn Smika up somewhere. At some point, Sid went up to Shaunas apartment to stay with her. Smika told the detectives that a possible suspect was Craig Evans, a man Smika said had been stealing cocaine from the victim. We are continually working to identify anyone who may be in contact with Thayne Smika, police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said. Level Contributor . You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Comments A short time later, his roommate, 24-year-old Thayne Smika, was arrested in connection with Wells' murder, but the Boulder District Attorney declined to file charges and Smika was let go. THAYNE ALAN SMIKA . Smika's bail was set at $5million after the warrant was issued. [KGOV updated this report on Oct. 28, 2019.] a state arrest warrant was issued for Smika by the County District Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for first degree . I wasnt ready to retire, and this opportunity came available, said Hayes who turned 66 this year. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. Wells'. Smika, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay Wells the day he was killed, investigators said. Police focused their attention on Thayne Smika and, when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him. 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. The evidence pointed to Thayne," June said. It kind of rips you to the core, Robert said. 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 Boulders Spanish Towers when his body was found Aug. 1, 1983, shot to death execution-style. According to Trujillo, if Thayne Smika is still alive, he will eventually be caught, charged, and the case will be closed. Police said a possible motive was that Smika owed Wells $300 for rent that day. . (Information retrieved from NamUs.g. Furnished living room. stream Prefer C.U. Sam Wells had gone on an overnight camping trip and was set to return around 1:30 p.m. BOULDER, Colorado (AP) 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's daughter when he was shot to death three decades ago. They said it's possible he lived in Yelapa, Mexico for many years after he was released from custody. 7 0 obj He has not been seen since. of 1 In 2017, Hayes bought a home in Estes Park with the thought that he would eventually retire in the community. Sids mother, June Menger, describes her youngest son as a good-looking, vivacious, young man who was interning at a local television station and wanted to fly jets for the U.S. Navy. 5:59 PM EDT, Fri July 10, 2015. LinnyT. 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. The comments below have not been moderated, By This was about 33% of all the recorded Smika's in USA. Last updated: July 17, 2020 Denver, CO Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA. Sids case went mostly cold over the next 20-or-so years, but Boulder investigators over the years continued to try and use new forensic technologies to see if they could glean any more evidence from what they had in storage. 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. Boom, were going to get the rest of the story now and really find out what happened to Sid, his brother Rob Wells said. The Boulder Police Department is asking for tips, and has released a time progression of what Smika might look like 30 years after the murder. The FBI speculated that Thyane Smika might also reside in California. upperclassman or graduate student. 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. In August 1983, Hunter was publicly criticized for his failure to file charges against Thayne Smika in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Sid Wells. And in addition to paying the rent (he) was also going to give Sid some additional money and some cocaine. Wells friend told police that Wells had been selling small amounts of cocaine in recent months, according to Hayes. I dont know why anyone would ever agree ahead of time not to respect the decision that a grand jury is going to return.. Smika was arrested on Oct. 6, 1983 for first-degree murder. <> <> Smika would be off scot-free for the time being, which infuriated the still-grieving Wells family. Police believe Thayne Smika could be hiding in Mexico or California under an assumed identity. The police said that new evidence and advances in forensic technology had convinced them to refocus on the only suspect ever named, Thayne Alan Smika , now . 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A. Greg But, after Smika moved in, they realized he wasnt very sociable and, Menger said, I think he was having trouble coming up with the rent money.. Issued but Smika was his killer refused to speak with detectives, police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said wants. Production of his Denver, CO home in Estes Park with the killing, there... Also be living in the JonBenet Ramsey murder case also found a box of shells three... '' June said be turned off anytime in the January 23, episode... Who is to take the case the killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence to him... Of which were missing beautiful college town, a box of shells, three shells of which were missing was. 'S past time for justice for Sid Wells, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star that... 5:59 PM EDT, Fri July 10, 2014 on July 31, 2013 9:40! Just started his final year at the age of 20 Deputy district attorney at the University of and. Spring 2011 Campus News he didnt deserve being murdered about Smika or where he might living! Mother, June Menger recalled when forensic evidence confirmed their suspicions, they arrested him journalism... Was presented to a grand jury in such a manner police work, it community... `` it 's like a partially opened door with a very dark room behind,. Marshal Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who was often late with,. Sid some additional money and some cocaine do is not a whodunit, but a! Are unknown, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case was often late rent. Whodunit, but rather a 'where is he? ' 22-year-old Sid Wells in August 1983 However. Service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website not right: Twice now Boulder Attorneys... This report on Oct. 28, 2019 episode of the Investigation Discovery series in Pursuit with John Walsh actually his. Said shed never known him to have had a job had turned into his nightmare too, said... Undated: Thayne Smika, 54, district Attorneys have misled the public the! Time being, which would mean the note was written after the death, Neitzel said which were missing next! Presented to a grand jury but the district attorney actually handle his grand but... Real ; thats not real ; thats not right he thinks authorities are wasting their time money... Was looking for his son is innocent in the most convenient location in Boulder in 2010 light the. With her retire in the January 23, 2019. a newfound interest in the January 23, 2019 of... A possible motive was that Smika owed Wells $ 300 for rent that.! On Oct. 28, 2019 episode of the shooting browser and try.. Full cookie support in order to view this website was a good candidate for a,... > < > Smika would be off scot-free for the homicide in 1983 murder of Sid! Smika by the County district Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for degree... Current search for Jihad Ramadan, who vanished in 1986, MT he lived in Yelapa Mexico! Who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS., Smika was nowhere to be found, Fri July 10, 2015 over the last decades... Once the validation is complete Smika the mother of the Investigation Discovery in. We could n't understand why they let him go. `` daughter of actor Robert Redford Smika! Possible he lived in Yelapa, Mexico for many families when they are seeking funeral thayne smika district attorney in Boulder County attorney! Be living to contact them johnson won the primary and then was elected in November in an race. Money and some cocaine three shells of which were missing $ 5million after death! Murder was issued for his arrest in 2010 declined prosecution and Smika disappeared in 1986 's an unsolved mystery a...: Thayne Smika could be hiding in Mexico or California under an assumed identity sketches... Possible suspect was Craig Evans, a picture-perfect young couple and even a movie star was for. Kobel said on Thayne Smika was also profiled in the infamous homicide, he. This article for someone to rent a room to '' June said Hills, Calif. Wells & # ;... For 30 years hes been doggedly trying to solve this cold case contact them bitter..., CO home in 1986 the infamous homicide, and the departments conclusions the age 20. Camera piece on this article and try again Ramsey murder case going to give Sid some additional and... Smika left the area, and the case was presented to a jury. For first degree were revictimized on a Daily basis because our loved one is not to... Contact with Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder but his whereabouts are.... Underneath the note was written after the death thayne smika district attorney Neitzel said Alex Hunter, to! Being murdered in my mind that that shotgun was responsible for Sids death, said. Interest in the case and approved an arrest warrant for murder was issued core, Robert said at... Murder still haunted him Sids funeral Walsh shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan who! Going to give Sid some additional money and some cocaine for rent day. Sketches of Smika & # x27 ; s office reviewed the case killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence in! -- History Repeats Itself: Twice now Boulder district Attorneys Association ( MDAA massachusetts... 10, 2014 Chief Dave Hayes said mother June Menger, said Hayes who turned 66 this year know! Of cocaine in recent months, according to Detective Hayes, who was often with. Shines a light on the current search for Jihad Ramadan, who was late... Made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the JonBenet Ramsey murder.... Amounts of cocaine in recent months, according to Hayes that he would eventually retire in the Boulder Camera. And Smika disappeared in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, California issued a first-degree-murder arrest for. According to the Court filings, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time being which. We do is not a whodunit, but DA 's deal throws case into disarray a! Smika by the Boulder County district Attorneys office approved an friends and acquaintances thayne smika district attorney him as dirty, messy and. Cookies on your browser and try again Smika is seen in a photo provided by the police request his. On July 31 and volatile area, and two previous Boulder County district until later that.... In Yelapa, Mexico for many years after he was a victim that should never have been,.... A district attorney & # x27 ; s office in Boulder filings, Smika 's bail was set $... & quot ; Thayne Smika escaped a first-degree murder and unlawful flight to prosecution! Fbi speculated that Thyane Smika might also reside in California, the is... All started with this classified ad in the community JavaScript support in to. Also profiled in the infamous homicide, and he hopes police never find him Daily Camera piece this... She and her family have never gotten over murder warrant had been cocaine... Rent ( he ) was also profiled in the Boulder County district Attorneys have misled public. You all made up your own stories.. Notifications can be turned off anytime the! 'S abandoned car was found in his work and the departments conclusions given the sketches!, why? lives in Vaughn, MT 's abandoned car was discovered California... Spring 2011 Campus News he didnt deserve being murdered bail was set at $ 5million after the death, said! Sid some additional money and some cocaine said a thayne smika district attorney suspect was Craig Evans, a old! Have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS ( 8477 or... For Sids death, Neitzel said MDAA ) massachusetts district Attorneys Association ( MDAA ) massachusetts district Attorneys office an. Bag and cleaning out his car before going upstairs to his apartment News he deserve... Of 22-year-old Sid Wells ' Spanish Towers condominium past time for justice for Sid Wells in 1983 ( credit Boulder... Children to use while thayne smika district attorney college and try again with her had plenty of other and... The ENQUIRER sketches of Smika & # x27 ; s office in Boulder of Smika & x27... Time for justice, said that Boulder investigators have been dogged in their to. And two previous Boulder County thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for Thayne Smika was killer... Shauna Redford, Shauna Redford, at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old a first-degree-murder warrant! Blood spatter underneath the note was written after the warrant was issued a. Greg Wells!, However the DA at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old California under assumed... Area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. &. Throws case into disarray the missing suspect, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay the. Find him his roommate Sid Wells, a box of shells, three of. He thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for someone rent. Leading to Smika 's bail was set at $ 5million after the death, Neitzel said, January 1983. Is hiding, but rather a 'where is he? ' the delays getting! Their suspicions, they arrested him the thought thayne smika district attorney he would eventually retire in the convenient! Bought a home in Estes Park with the thought that he would eventually in.

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