The FBI has released new age-progression images of Thayne Alan Smika, a fugitive wanted in connection with the 1983 murder of Sidney Lee Wells, a University of Colorado Boulder student. Wells, 22, was found shot to death in his Boulder apartment on Aug. 1, 1983. Smika, then 24 and Wells's former roommate, was identified as a suspect but not immediately charged.
In October 1986, Smika's abandoned car was found in Beverly Hills, California, bearing a stolen license plate, and he has been on the run since. A state warrant charging Smika with first-degree murder was issued in December 2010, followed by a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Smika's arrest and conviction. The newly released renderings depict what Smika, now 67, might look like today, potentially with or without a beard and glasses. Investigators noted that he may not have a valid U.S. passport and might have lived in Yelapa, Mexico, before 2007.
"It is never too late to hold a murder suspect accountable," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. "The FBI is unwavering in our determination to deliver justice for victims' families. We will work with Boulder Police to pursue this fugitive until he is found and brought into custody to face the consequences of his actions."
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn expressed hope that the updated images will generate actionable leads. "No matter how much time has passed, we will never stop searching," Redfearn stated. "We are grateful for our FBI partners for their help in creating these images and publicizing this crime."
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Boulder Police tip line at 303-441-1974, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Anonymous tips can also be made through Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.