Shauna woke up that morning and left for work just before 11 a.m. She woke up Sid, reminding him that he was to have lunch with his mother at noon. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Robert Redford stopped production of his film The Natural so he and his family could attend Sids funeral. Under Garnett, an arrest warrant was issued for Thayne Smika, a roommate of Wells' and a longtime suspect in the case. In Sids obituary, Shauna was listed as survivor, girlfriend and best friend. endobj Photo from the Boulder Daily Camera Spring 2011 Campus News One man who lived across the street from Spanish Towers told detectives he was certain hed seen Smika walking quickly and strangely across the parking lot with something long and stiff shoved up his sleeve. Directory of District Attorney Offices. Wind gusts were clocked at 70 to 100 mph. Hayes never gave up on getting justice for the Wells family and, in 1997, Boulder police reopened the case. But he wouldnt know that until later that evening. Smika was arrested for the homicide in 1983, however the DA at the time declined prosecution and Smika disappeared in 1986. Thayne Alan Smika, photo taken in 1983, courtesy of fbi.gov Smika was known around town as a college dropout and drifter. We are about being the guardians of the community and constitutional policing which is protecting the rights of everyone no matter what their race, immigration status or sexual orientation is, said Hayes. For interview, call Sid, 443-****, evenings. Detectives couldnt be reached Wednesday to comment on whether they obtained any leads from the family members phones. Burkhalter, who had become a homicide detective, thought that the suspect might be a former patient at the clinic. When Wells was assassinated, he had just started his final year at the University of Colorado and was 22 years old. The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Smika, who was often late with rent, was supposed to pay Wells the day he was killed, investigators said. 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. Lakewood, Ohio. appreciated. After Boulder police gathered additional evidence in the case in December 2012, a judge issued an arrest warrant for Smika. FBI investigators also said they connected three shotgun shells found in Smikas mothers home in eastern Colorado with the one that killed Wells test results that have since been questioned. Level Contributor . 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. 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. His vehicle was recovered in Hollywood, CA in 1986. 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. It is his decision to solve this problem his way, and I have honored it.. Thayne Smika disappeared in 1986, and the police didn't issue an arrest order for him until 2011. Johnson won the primary and then was elected in November in an uncontested race. However, then-Boulder District Attorney Alex Hunter declined to file charges, and Smika moved away in 1986. . For 30 years hes been doggedly trying to solve this cold case. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. The evidence pointed to Thayne," June said. Comments in 2011 the Boulder County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved an arrest affidavit for Smika, but they still haven't been able to find him. It's been 31 years since Sid Wells was shot execution-style in his own home in Boulder, Colorado and his terminally ill mother has yet to see his killer locked up. The FBI speculated that Thyane Smika might also reside in California. They said it's possible he lived in Yelapa, Mexico for many years after he was released from custody. With the FBIs help, they established new forensic and ballistic evidence linking Smika to the murder. Now, a retired detective who worked the case back in the early 80s is speaking up for the first time in years in hopes of bringing closure to a Colorado family and an end to a complex murder mystery that has puzzled Boulder for decades. Smika allegedly stole around 7 grams of cocaine from Sid on two different occasions, according to the court documents. She said Robert Redford and her son were friends, and they went jogging and skiing together. 06:57 GMT 09 Aug 2014 Updated 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. Thayne Smika has been missing since 1986 after his mother posted a bond for the 1983 murder of his roommate Sid Wells. 15 0 obj , updated After Boulder police gathered additional evidence in a case in December 2012, a judge issued an arrest warrant for Smika. <> She grieved in ways that I cant even imagine, Menger said. Oct. 6, 1983: Police arrest Thayne Smika, who was living with Wells at the time of the crime, at his family home in Akron. The rent was due that day. upperclassman or graduate student. Smika left the area, and in 1986 his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, Calif. Wells'. a state arrest warrant was issued for Smika by the County District Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for first degree . We are no longer accepting comments on this article. "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. According to the court filings, Smika's friends and acquaintances described him as dirty, messy, and volatile. 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. My dad helped review medical charts to screen for possible suspects, said Hayes. To date, the trail has been cold, but Boulder police said they have not given up. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Smika left the area and in 1986, his abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, CA. I've read to stay away from the Red Light Dist at night due to all of the drunken tourists (of . Or, keep up-to-date on the latest news and weather with the Denver7 apps for iPhone/iPads, Android and Kindle. He should be considered armed and dangerous. According to Trujillo, if Thayne Smika is still alive, he will eventually be caught, charged, and the case will be closed. $300 monthly. After police ruled his brother out as a suspect, they began to focus on Smika. / CBS Colorado. Several other rounds of DNA testing at labs across the country, including the FBI Laboratory, turned up scant evidence directly linking Smika to Sids murder, though they did find some circumstantial blood evidence. In 2017, Hayes bought a home in Estes Park with the thought that he would eventually retire in the community. 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. Re: Walking at night . A. Greg Darryl Smika said he thinks authorities are wasting their time and money looking for his son. The FBI is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Smika's arrest and conviction. Thayne Smika, now 54, is being sought in 1983 murder of 22-year-old Sid Wells; . Smika's family says the last time they heard from him was in 1986, when he said he was leaving town. % Their elections are non-partisan. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much The documents detail several personal timelines from people interviewed by detectives that investigators say show Smika was his killer. 2023 Cable News Network. It's time for justice, said Hayes, who has remained in touch with Wells' family over the last three decades. There was blood spatter underneath the note, which would mean the note was written after the death, Neitzel said. . 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. . In 2010, armed with more sophisticated forensic and ballistic evidence, he says he was once again able to pinpoint Thayne Smika as the likely killer. But he came anyway because of his close friendship with Wells. Earlier this month, Arias's present attorneys, Peg Green and Corey Engle, filed a 324-page appeal on behalf of the imprisoned murderer, asking that her conviction be overturned. District attorneys are assigned to Arkansas's 23 judicial circuits. But Sid was rarely home, according to friends, and was often with Shauna when he wasnt working or at school. Shauna went back to her place, which was also in Spanish Towers, and Sid, Smika and the other man stayed back and did more cocaine into the early morning hours. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers. How can a district attorney actually handle his grand jury in such a manner? 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. But in 2009, Stan Garnett took over as district attorney, with a newfound interest in the case. My brother is dead, and Im angry that the system didnt work better then. So thats when we started thinking maybe Thayne isnt so innocent.. Colo. police seek help with high-profile cold case. He also reviewed the grand jury decision by Hunter. 1 0 obj For interview, call Sid, 443-****, evenings.Si. LinnyT. Got a tip? The Smika family name was found in the USA in 1920. 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. It would be unusual for someone to absent themselves from contact with any and all known family members for such an extended period of time, Detective Traci Cravitz wrote in an affidavit supporting the departments request for phone records, which was made public Wednesday. 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. What happened over the next several hours remains unclear, but by noon, Sid was dead. Stories worth watching 16 videos. 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.. He worked through college at the Boulderado Hotel. This story was originally reported August 10, 2014. He said it had turned into his nightmare too, she said. I hope its solved, he said. Redford said in 1997 that Wells' murder still haunted him. Investigators wasted no time paying a visit to Smika in Akron. However, Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to take the case. Example video title will go here for this video. The Moving can be an exciting experience. "The police department felt that way, his friends and roommates felt that way. He went on to work in law enforcement and as a special agent, and has since founded the Families of Colorado Murder Victims and Missing Persons (FOHVAMP), which helps families of victims in unsolved murder and missing persons crimes seek help in closing their cases. But I hope its solved with the criminal who did it, not with my son being convicted of something he didnt do.. By Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. According to the affidavit, Boulder police received the requested information from the phone companies on Feb. 24. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. 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. . You all made up your own stories.. 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. Im thinking, no, thats not real; thats not right. Hayes home was one that was turned to ash. 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. Then they learned that prosecutors had declined to charge Smika with the killing, saying there wasnt enough evidence. Smika was never prosecuted because the district attorney at the time declined to take the case. 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. 15:04 GMT 09 Aug 2014. The case was presented to a grand jury but the District Attorney at. If you have information about Thayne Smika or his whereabouts contact Detective Jeremy Frenzen at 303-441-1890 orfrenzenj@bouldercolorado.gov. 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. However, then-district attorney Alex Hunter -- well. He asked her to be his date to the Navy ROTC ball, and from that point on, the two were inseparable. 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. 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. 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. 1, 1983, but the district attorney determined that there was not enough evidence to prosecute. %PDF-1.7 But more tips started rolling in. www.officer.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Jihad Ramadan is wanted by U.S. 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 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. Before arriving in Boulder, Smika had lived in North Platte, Nebraska, and Akron, Colorado, throughout his formative years. What Happened To Nia From Real World Portland? They can do all they want, but I have had no contact with him.. On August 1, 1983, Sam Wells returned from a camping trip to find his brother lying face down on the floor inside the apartment. www.officer.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Smika was arrested on Oct. 6, 1983, two months after the slaying, but then-district attorney Alex Hunter (A&S'59, Law'63) declined to charge him, saying there wasn't enough evidence. There was blood spattered on a magazine on the coffee table close to a note Sam himself had left saying he was going camping, as well as another note from Smika: Sid/Sam Ive gone home to visit my folks for a couple of days and Ill be back Tuesday or Wednesday. endobj Smika moved to Denver then eventually left for California. (Information retrieved from NamUs.g. The grand jury was the biggest shock for my family and the most difficult thing to deal with, said Robert Wells, Sids older brother. Boulder police issued a statement Wednesday saying they're looking for Thayne Smika, who is still being sought after a murder warrant was issued for his . He had a warrant for his arrest for the charge of Forgery and he was also the suspect in a 1983 Boulder, CO Homicide. Thayne Smika Missing Thayne Smika Follow Thayne's Case Smika moved out of his Denver, CO home in 1986. Deputy District Attorney Lesli S. Boese Ted S. Szczupakiewicz Michael D. Thurston. Some of us have expressed not criticism but surprise Smika is getting another airing considering he's a cold case the previous most recent John Walsh show already did (as opposed to a new cold case and/or unused . But Smika was still off the radar, and nobody had looked at any of the new evidence hard enough to pursue new charges. A grand jury failed to indict him, and two previous Boulder County district. Smika says he told Sid about the trip the night before. Sid Wells in 1983 (credit: Boulder Police Department). 11 reviews. 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. Call 1-866-THE-HUNT (In Mexico: 0188000990546) or click here. Boom, were going to get the rest of the story now and really find out what happened to Sid, his brother Rob Wells said. Smika, who was also once an AMW web-exclusive, will be the first ever fugitive from 'The Hunt' to get an In Pursuit profile as well. We are continually working to identify anyone who may be in contact with Thayne Smika, police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said. Police released his 1983 mugshot and an age-progressed image of what he might look like today. That same year Hayes joined the Louisville Police Department at the age of 20. Boulder police release new sketches of Smika. 4 helpful votes. An aspiring journalist, Wells also was part of the universitys Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. 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