Posts tagged Detective Tom Dowd
Murder investigation of CU student, Sid Wells, nears 30 years; suspect remains on the run (or dead)
Jul 31st
August 1, 2013 will mark the 30-year anniversary of the shooting death of Sid Wells, a 22-year-old journalism student enrolled at the University of Colorado. The case received prominent media attention because at the time of his death, Wells was dating actor Robert Redford’s daughter, Shauna.
Thayne Smika mugshot
Wells had been shot in the head, and was found dead inside his Spanish Towers condo by his brother on August 1, 1983. Police suspected Wells’ roommate, Thayne Smika, and arrested him a few months after the homicide when investigators linked him to the murder. However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA.
In 2011, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office agreed to review the case and approved an arrest affidavit for Smika. Unable to locate Smika, police are again asking for the public’s help finding him. Investigators believe Smika is living under an assumed identity and have contacted Smika’s relatives (several of whom still live in Colorado) in attempts to find out where he is and what identity he has been using. Smika’s relatives have not provided any helpful information to the Boulder Police Department.
Deputy Chief Dave Hayes, who was one of the first detectives to investigate the case in 1983, is hoping that someone can provide information about Smika’s whereabouts. “It’s past time for justice for Sid Wells and his family,” said Hayes. “Thayne Smika escaped a first degree murder charge, and has likely been living a life of freedom while the Wells’ family has been grieving for three decades.”
Age progression to present
Investigators are still looking for Thayne Smika and are asking anyone with information about Smika or where he might be living to contact them. Detective Tom Dowd may be reached at 303-441-3385. 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. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. 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.
[includeme src=”http://c1n.tv/boulder/media/bouldersponsors.html” frameborder=”0″ width=”670″ height=”300″]
Assault suspect from 2012 bar fight still wanted by police
Mar 1st
Boulder police are still investigating an assault case from March 2, 2012, which took place at Conor O’Neill’s Pub, located at 1922 13th St. around 12:37 a.m. The suspect remains unidentified and police are asking the public for assistance.
The male victim was in the restroom when the male suspect tried to enter the stall. The two men pushed each other and at one point, the suspect attacked the victim with a beer bottle. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries which included a concussion, cuts to his head and face and wounds on his chest and arms from the beer bottle.
The suspect fled the bar, and the victim believes a friend of the suspect tried to detain the victim as the suspect got away. The suspect was seen running westbound across 13th St. and through a parking lot. Police were unable to locate him.
At the time of the assault, the Boulder Police Department released a composite sketch and a description of the suspect. The suspect has not yet been identified and police are publicizing the information again, hoping that a member of the public may recognize the suspect and contact police.
The sketch is attached. The suspect is described as:
· White male
· 21 – 29 years old
· 6’0 – 6’3” tall, weighing 180 – 200 pounds
· Build was described as “not toned”
· Short blonde hair which may have been bleached or highlighted
· Witnesses described him as a “surfer type”
· At the time of the assault, was wearing a light-colored shirt or white shirt with blue pinstripes
· May have been bleeding from his mouth, and may have had a cut over his left eye
The case number is 12-2846.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tom Dowd at 303-441-3385. 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. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. 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.
[includeme src=”http://c1n.tv/boulder/media/bouldersponsors.html” frameborder=”0″ width=”670″ height=”300″]
— CITY–
Boulder police: BMW driver attempts to lure female teen into car
Jan 22nd
Boulder police are increasing patrols after a teenage girl told investigators that an unknown man tried several times to lure her into his car. The incident occurred at 5:17 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2013 in the area of Broadway and Spruce.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his late forties. The victim said he had dark skin and eyes, thick eyebrows and was wearing a dark green long-sleeve shirt. He was driving a newer model, light silver BMW 5-series four-door sedan. A composite sketch of the suspect and a photo of a similar car are attached.
The victim went into a nearby business to ask for help. The business owner saw the BMW, but was not able to see a license plate. The suspect left the area at that time and police are trying to locate the male and the associated vehicle.
Although this is the first time Boulder police have been made aware of the suspect, the victim said that yesterday’s incident was not the first time the suspect had approached her. She said that approximately four weeks earlier, a man who she believes is the same suspect tried to persuade her into his car near Viele Lake. The victim says that three weeks ago, the same suspect began honking his horn at her as he was stopped at a red light, trying to entice her into his car at Broadway and Alpine. All three times the victim says she ignored the suspect and continued walking.
Police remind community members to call 911 immediately if they see anything or anyone who seems suspicious.
Some good safety tips to remember include:
· Walk in groups and in well-lit areas.
· Make sure children know to never, ever get into a car with a stranger.
· If a stranger approaches a child, run away and yell for help.
· If a stranger tries to take a child, the child should yell, “Help! This isn’t my mom” or “This isn’t my dad,” and try to get away. Bite, kick and scratch if necessary.
· Report suspicious incidents immediately.
The case number is 13-868.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tom Dowd at 303-441-3385. 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. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. 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.
[includeme src=”http://c1n.tv/boulder/media/bouldersponsors.html” frameborder=”0″ width=”670″ height=”300″]
