FBI Seeks Public’s Help in Boulder Homicide Case

More than 40 years after the murder of a University of Colorado student, the FBI is calling for public assistance. New images of the accused killer have been released, aiming to track down Thayne Alan Smika, suspected in the shooting death of Sidney Lee Wells. The incident occurred on August 1, 1983, in Boulder.

Sidney Lee Wells, 22, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. He was a senior studying journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder and part of the Navy ROTC program. Thayne Alan Smika, then a 24-year-old student, became a suspect but wasn’t charged immediately.

In October 1986, Smika’s abandoned car surfaced in Beverly Hills, California, with a stolen plate. He has evaded capture ever since. A Boulder County judge charged Smika with first-degree murder in December 2010. Federal authorities subsequently charged him with unlawful flight, issuing an arrest warrant.

Age-progression images released show what Smika might look like today. He could be clean-shaven or have facial hair, and wear glasses. Authorities believe Smika, now 67, lacks a valid U.S. passport and possibly resided in Yelapa, Mexico, before 2007.

The FBI has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Smika’s arrest and conviction. FBI Denver Special Agent Amanda Koldjeski emphasized the importance of bringing justice, stating, “It is never too late to hold a murder suspect accountable.” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn echoed this, expressing hope that the updated images will produce new leads.

Individuals with information should contact Boulder Police at 303-441-1974 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov, and anonymous tips through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital writer, contributed to this report.