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The death of Robert Redford has brought renewed focus on the decades-old unsolved murder of his daughter’s boyfriend, a case that remains one of Colorado’s most haunting mysteries. Redford, the iconic Hollywood star, Oscar-winning director, and liberal activist, died last week at the age of 89, but his passing has revived public attention on the 1983 killing of Sid Wells.

The 1983 Killing of Sid Wells

In August 1983, Sid Wells, a University of Colorado Boulder student and the boyfriend of Redford’s daughter, Shauna, was fatally shot in his apartment. At the time, Redford was preparing to film The Natural, yet he rushed to his daughter’s side and attended Wells’ funeral. The case rattled Boulder, casting a long shadow over the community.

Wells’ roommate, Thayne Alan Smika, was arrested as the primary suspect. However, the Boulder County District Attorney declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence. Smika vanished in 1986, and he has been on the run ever since.

Renewed FBI Pursuit

Just a day after Redford’s death, the FBI announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Smika’s arrest. Bail has already been set at $5 million if Smika is captured. The bureau described him as a native of North Dakota with nicknames including “Jungle Mike.”

The FBI’s announcement underscores the enduring interest in solving the Wells case. As The Denver Post and AP News recounted, renewed efforts to bring Smika to justice began in 2009 under District Attorney Stan Garnett, who pushed for DNA reexamination of cold cases. That led to a 2010 warrant for Smika’s arrest.

Redford’s Personal Involvement

Garnett revealed that Robert Redford personally called him after learning of the renewed arrest warrant for Smika. “I thought [the call] was a positive reflection of Robert Redford’s concern about his daughter and about this young man who’d lost his life very tragically,” Garnett told Colorado’s KUSA.

Redford’s dedication to supporting the Wells family was evident. According to KUSA, he even paid for private security for them in the uncertain early days of the murder investigation. Wells’ brother, Robert, expressed gratitude, saying he had “deep appreciation” for Redford’s support during their darkest days.

A Family Touched by Tragedy

Redford’s family endured not only the trauma of Wells’ unsolved murder but also other brushes with tragedy. Just a year after Wells’ death, Shauna narrowly survived after her car plunged into a river in Utah. Redford himself also faced personal loss with the deaths of two of his sons before his passing.

Shauna Redford Schlosser survives him, along with his second wife, another daughter, and seven grandchildren.

Robert Redford dies at 89 | AP News

Robert Redford’s Death Sparks New Hunt in Unsolved Murder

FBI Denver – $10,000 reward notice

An Unfinished Chapter

The Wells case remains unresolved, its outcome still uncertain more than 40 years later. The renewed FBI appeal suggests that investigators still believe Smika can be found. For the Wells family and for those touched by Robert Redford’s legacy, closure remains elusive.

As Garnett noted, Wells and Shauna Redford had a serious relationship at the time of the killing. The actor’s deep concern and lasting involvement highlight just how personally this tragedy struck one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures.

For now, the unsolved murder of Sid Wells lingers as both a cold case and a painful reminder of the fragility of life—even in the orbit of fame.