The person at the center of this case
Smika's male roommate (name not disclosed)
Homicide · Open - Fugitive at Large
42 years waiting · since 1983
THAYNE ALAN SMIKA
Justice for Smika's male roommate (name not disclosed) — the trail went cold in 1983, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What was Smika's motive for killing his roommate, and why did he immediately flee?
📍
location
Lead #2How did Smika travel from Boulder to Beverly Hills undetected, and what happened after his car was abandoned in 1986?
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clue
Lead #3Investigation suggests Smika may have lived in Yelapa, Mexico for years prior to 2007—what activities was he engaged in during this period?
On August 1, 1983, Thayne Alan Smika's roommate was found shot dead in their Boulder, Colorado apartment, with a gunshot wound to the head. Smika fled and has evaded capture for over four decades, with his last confirmed sighting being his abandoned car in Beverly Hills, California in October 1986. Despite investigation revealing he may have lived in Yelapa, Mexico and possibly California, his current whereabouts remain unknown and he remains one of the FBI's wanted fugitives.
Case
#1130
FBI; Boulder County District Court; United States District Court, District of Colorado
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👤
person
Lead #4Smika may be clean-shaven, bearded, or wear glasses; he may currently be in California—has anyone encountered a man matching these variable descriptions?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - First Degree Murder Caution: Thayne Alan Smika is wanted for a murder which occurred on August 1, 1983. On that day, police officers responded to an incident at an apartment complex in Boulder, Colorado.
A male victim was found in his apartment, lying on the living room floor, with a gunshot wound to his head. The victim was identified as Smika's roommate.
In October 1986, in Beverly Hills, California, Smika's car was found empty and abandoned with a stolen license plate. On December 2, 2010, a state arrest warrant was issued for Smika by the County District Court, Boulder County, Colorado, for first degree murder.
Additionally, on December 13, 2010, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court, District of Colorado, after Smika was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Remarks: As seen in the drawings displayed above, Smika may be clean shaven, he may have a beard or moustache, and may wear glasses.
Smika does not have a valid United States passport. And, through investigation, it was revealed that Smika may have lived in the town of Yelapa, Mexico, for many years prior to 2007.
Additionally, Smika may be residing in California.
Timeline of Events
👤
1983-08-01
Murder and Flight
Thayne Alan Smika's roommate found shot dead in apartment living room; Smika flees the scene
🚗
1986-10-01
Abandoned Vehicle Discovery
Smika's car found empty and abandoned in Beverly Hills, California with stolen license plate
🕵️
2010-12-02
State Arrest Warrant Issued
Boulder County District Court issues state arrest warrant for first degree murder
🕵️
2010-12-13
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
United States District Court, District of Colorado issues federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 1, 1983
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $10,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:August 1, 1983
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
Up to $10,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case