How Robert Redford’s Death Sparked Renewed Hunt in Sid Wells Murder Case

Robert Redford’s death has refocused attention on a decades-old unsolved murder. The case involves the 1983 killing of his daughter’s boyfriend, Sid Wells. The FBI is still actively searching for the prime suspect.

Authorities have renewed their public appeal for information following the actor’s passing. This tragic event deeply affected Redford and his family for over forty years.

The 1983 Murder of Sid Wells

Sid Wells was a 22-year-old student at the University of Colorado Boulder. He was found shot to death in his apartment on August 1, 1983. Wells was dating Shauna Redford at the time.

The murder shocked the local community and the Redford family. Robert Redford immediately left a film set to be with his daughter. According to biographer Michael Callan, the actor was profoundly shaken.

A Longstanding Fugitive Hunt

Police quickly identified a suspect: Thayne Smika. Smika was Wells’ roommate and was behind on rent payments. He was arrested in October 1983 but released due to insufficient evidence.

Smika vanished in 1986 after a grand jury declined to indict him. His car was found abandoned in Beverly Hills. The FBI believes he may have fled to Mexico.

In 2010, new ballistic evidence led to an arrest warrant for Smika. The FBI released age-progressed photos of the suspect, who would now be 66. A $10,000 reward for information remains active.

Boulder police have stated this is not a “whodunit” but a “where is he” case. The investigation remains open, with the FBI leading the international search.

The unresolved case of Sid Wells’ murder remains a poignant footnote to Robert Redford’s legacy. The FBI continues to seek justice in this four-decade-old mystery.

Info at your fingertips

Who was Sid Wells?

Sid Wells was a University of Colorado Boulder student. He was dating Robert Redford’s daughter, Shauna, at the time of his death. He was murdered in his apartment in 1983.

Who is the main suspect?

The prime suspect is Thayne Smika, who was Wells’ roommate. Smika was arrested but released due to a lack of evidence in 1983. He has been a fugitive since 1986.

What is the current status of the case?

The case is still an active homicide investigation. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information. An arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued in 2010.

How did Robert Redford react?

Redford was deeply affected by the tragedy. He left a film set to support his daughter immediately after the murder. He later contacted the Boulder District Attorney to thank investigators for their work.

What was the new evidence in 2010?

New ballistic tests in 2010 reportedly matched evidence from the crime scene. This led a judge to issue a warrant for Smika’s arrest. The warrant details were unsealed to the public in 2011.