Posts tagged Sid Wells
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.
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.”
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.
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Thayne Smika new computer pics of what Sid wells murderer looks like 27 years later
Jan 29th
Friday, Jan. 28, 2011
Contact:
Deputy Chief Dave Hayes, Police Department, 303-441-3317
www.boulder-police.com
Police release age progression photos of 1983 homicide suspect
Boulder police are releasing five photographs that show how 1983 homicide suspect Thayne Smika is believed to look today. The photographs were created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory using age progression technology and a 1983 arrest photo of Smika.
Investigators have been looking for Smika since December when a Boulder District Court judge issued an arrest warrant accusing him of first-degree murder in the Aug. 1, 1983, shooting death of his roommate, Sid Wells. Wells was shot in the head and found in his home in the 800 block of 29th Street.
Smika, who was born on Feb. 27, 1959, disappeared from the local area in 1986, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Boulder police are asking anyone who believes these photos look familiar or who has information about Smika’s whereabouts anytime since 1986 to contact detectives through a voicemail hotline at 303-441-1974.