Tragedy made its way into the life of Robert Redford multiple times, but none more than the murder of Sid Wells in 1983.
A murder that became a nationally known news story, after Redford asked production be ceased on The Natural, a beloved baseball film, so he could attend the funeral.
The murder played a big part in Redford's life as Sid Wells had been in a relationship with his daughter, Shauna Redford.
Initially, authorities suspected the roommate of Wells, Thayne Smika, days before his senior year of University began.
With Robert Redford's death this month, the FBI has shared details of the killing, along with age-progressed drawing of their suspect. They have also reminded the public that there is a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture of Smika.
According to an arrest warrant issued in 2010, Sid Wells' body was found by his brother when he was returning a camping truck to the apartment the two shared with Smika.
He had been shot in the back of the head and multiple residents in the apartment complex stated they heard a loud noise less than an hour before authorities arrived.
The arrest warrant also revealed a note was found on the scene, left by Smika, that said he had left to visit his parents and would be back in a few days.
Investigators drove to Smika's mother's home to inform him of the death of his roommate.
Smika revealed to the police that there was a potential suspect who he claimed stole cocaine from Sid, and that he had taken a large amount of cash and cocaine from Sid's room to hide it from said individual.
This individual later denied these allegations and had an alibi.
Authorities initially believed the story of Smika, placing him in protective custody. It wasn't long until multiple of his claims proved false.
He claimed he was going home to get a perm and do laundry, however, investigators found he had gotten a perm one week prior to the shooting, and that the two lived in a building with laundry facilities.
Friends of Smika were open about his financial troubles in interviews with authorities, and alleged he was a part of theft and scams. They also claimed he had a drug habit that worsened over the years.
One of Smika's friends alleged he confessed to the murder after drinking, while another individual claimed his sister opened up about having to wash bloody clothing the same day the murder was committed.
The complicated investigation then gained the pressure of becoming a major news story.
Smika was arrested and taken into custody but never indicted. The prosecutor said he didn't have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Smika was then released and disappeared.
During an interview eleven years after his disappearance, his parents claimed to not know his whereabouts.
They explained their son told them about his plan to flee and move to another country, telling them to get their passports ready so they could visit him when he settled. He never reached out to them.
In 2010, a formal arrest warrant was issued, as authorities wanted to charge him with murder.
In recent years, no clues or tips have come forward, however, the FBI believes renewed interest could help track Smika down.
Smika would now be 74 years of age.
Comments
Post a Comment