Robert Redford's Lifelong Haunting: The Unsolved Mystery of Sidney Wells' Murder
The Shocking Murder that Haunted Hollywood Royalty: The Robert Redford Connection
It's been over 40 years since a chilling murder shook the quiet streets of Boulder, Colorado. The victim was Sidney Wells, a charming and ambitious young man who had captured the heart of none other than Robert Redford's daughter, Shauna. The case has become one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history, with a prime suspect still on the run.
The events that unfolded on August 1, 1983, were nothing short of tragic. Wells, a 22-year-old journalism student at the University of Colorado Boulder, was shot execution-style in his own living room by a .20 gauge shotgun. His roommate, Thayne Smika – known affectionately as "Jungle Mike" – was arrested and charged with the crime.
But despite the mounting evidence against him, Smika vanished into thin air, leaving behind only whispers of sightings and rumors of a possible connection to organized crime. As the years went by, the case grew cold, but not for Robert Redford. The Hollywood legend had taken a personal interest in the investigation, driven by his love for his daughter and his desire to see justice served.
"We were always keeping him informed about new developments," recalls David Hayes, a retired Boulder deputy police chief who worked on the case. "He was very protective of Shauna and wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could to solve her boyfriend's murder."
Redford's involvement in the case went far beyond mere interest. Sources close to the actor reveal that he halted production on his biggest film, The Natural, when he heard about Wells' death. "Robert was heartbroken over Sid's passing and wanted to be there for his daughter," said a friend of the late actor.
But Smika's disappearance had more than just personal significance – it also raised questions about police incompetence. Alex Hunter, the Boulder County District Attorney at the time, admitted that he didn't have enough evidence to convict Smika due to "mishandled" police inquiries. It wasn't until 1997, when new DA Stan Garnett took over, that the case was re-opened and a warrant issued for Smika's arrest.
However, by then Smika had vanished into thin air – or so it seemed. According to Hayes, there have been multiple sightings of the prime suspect over the years, including a reported appearance at an Orange County Flea Market in California and a possible sighting at a Home Depot in Sacramento.
Despite these leads, Smika remains on the FBI's most wanted list, with a $10,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture. Today, 42 years after the killing, Wells' family still holds out hope that justice will be served – not just for their loved one, but also for Robert Redford's daughter, Shauna.
"Smika is still alive," Hayes insists. "We know he was clever enough to evade capture once, and we believe he could do it again. But we're not giving up."
For the Wells family, closure remains elusive – but they refuse to give up hope. Their loved one's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, including Shauna Redford, now 64, who has built a life with her husband Eric Schlosser and their two children.
As for Smika, his whereabouts remain a mystery. But as Hayes so aptly puts it, "We're still looking for Jungle Mike – and we won't rest until he's brought to justice."
A Tragic Legacy: Robert Redford's Personal Losses
Robert Redford's life has been marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of his mother at a young age. His first child, Scott, died of sudden infant death syndrome when just two-and-a-half months old. And in 2020, his son Jamie passed away from liver cancer at the tender age of 58.
Through it all, Redford has remained committed to his craft and to his family – especially his daughter Shauna, who endured a devastating loss with the murder of her boyfriend Sidney Wells. Despite these setbacks, the actor's legacy endures, inspiring generations of filmmakers and actors alike.
But for those closest to him, the memories of that fateful night in 1983 remain etched forever in their minds – a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and loss.
