New clues sought in missing Smolinski case

Seymour, Conn. (WTNH) - Those trying to get the word out about a missing Waterbury man were back at it.

31-year-old Billy Smolinski disappeared on Aug. 24, 2004 after asking a neighbor to feed his dog. In a new search for clues, fliers were handed out over the weekend in Seymour in new hopes of finding him.

On a "Investigation Discovery's Disappeared" documentary about the then 31-year-old Smolinski that aired in February of this year gave the family to a number of new leads, which led to a new search Saturday in Seymour and Shelton with a volunteer K-9 scent-sniffing cadaver dog team.

With that, you know, we've had 3,000 hits in one day on the website,” said Janice Smolinski of Cheshire. “So I think with media attention people are beginning to realize, and we're going to get that missing piece and we're going to get Billy."

Saturday's search turned up a black sweatshirt that could be six years old and could be Billy's. It was bagged for tests.

Search efforts also turned up dozens more new supporters in the cause.

“I saw his mom once in the post office,” said Sue Whiteley of Seymour, "It’s somebody's son. Nobody wants to give up on their children.

That's exactly Janice Smolinski's belief: Never give up and chase every lead.

News 8’s Crystal Haynes: "How does that make you feel? Does it make you feel hopeful?”
“Everything makes me feel hopeful when something like that happens. You can't give up on a child and I'm going to continue this until I bring him home."

While the K-9 search team did turn up something, they're going to be back out with the Smolinski's in the Seymour area in the near future to search for more clues.

Investigators have said they suspect foul play, and a $60,000 reward is being offered for information on his disappearance and presumed death.

The FBI and several Connecticut police departments have participated in the investigation and searches.