WATERBURY--August 24, 2004, Billy Smolinski, 31, was reported missing from his home on Holly Lane in Waterbury. Smolinski, a seemingly stable adult with multiple jobs, had no criminal record, good relations with his family and always paid his bills on time. When he vanished, leaving behind his beloved dog, Harley, Smolinski's parents knew something was really wrong.
After waiting the mandatory three days to report their son missing, Bill and Janice Smolinski began the painstaking process of looking for their son. With little help from police and next to no evidence, the Smolinski's have spent years searching for answers.
As the investigation continued, Waterbury Police received information from a man named Chad Hanson. According to witnesses, Hanson had information on Billy's murder and the location of his body. Over a span of three years, Hanson led police all over the state digging up potential locations of Billy's body. All information proved to be incorrect and Hanson was arrested and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for making false statements.
In 2009 Billy's Law was introduced to Congress and re-submitted in 2014 with the backing of Sen. Chris Murphy. This law would change the way missing persons cases are handled.
In 2011, Gov. Dan Malloy declared August 23 missing persons day in honor of Billy and the hundreds of others who are reported missing in the state of Connecticut.
A $60,000 reward is offered and authorized by the state of Connecticut for any information leading to the whereabouts of Billy Smolinski.
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Billy Smolinski tip line 203-530-9135
More on "Billy's Law" here.