Above Images: Smolinski, circa 2004
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: August 24, 2004 from Waterbury, Connecticut Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: January 14, 1973 Age: 31 years old Height and Weight: 5'11 - 6'0, 200 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Light brown hair, blue eyes. Smolinski's nicknames are Bill and Billy. He is bowlegged and his left ear is pierced. He has a tattoo of a blue cross outined in orange on his left shoulder, and a tattoo of a cross with the name "Pruitt" inside on his right forearm. Smolinski's hair was in a crew cut at the time of his disappearance. He wears size 10 1/2 shoes, size 36-32 pants, and size large or extra-large shirts. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A small diamond earring, a gold chain rope-style necklace with a cross pendant, and possibly blue jeans, a blue denim shirt, and work boots. Medical Conditions: Smolinski is allergic to shellfish. He has no other medical conditions and was in good physical and mental health at the time of his disappearance.
Details of Disappearance
Smolinski was last seen at his residence in the vicinity of the 100 block of Holly Street in Waterbury, Connecticut between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. on August 24, 2004. He went to a neighbor's residence and asked her to take care of his German Shepherd dog, as he was leaving for three days to see about a car. He was supposed to give his keys to her so she could go inside and feed the animal, but he never did. Smolinksi has never been heard from again. All of his personal belongings, including his white late 1970s or early 1980s Ford pickup truck were left behind. His wallet and keys were inside the truck.Smolinski broke up with his girlfriend of one year shortly before his disappearance, but his loved ones stated that he did not seem to be bothered by this. His ex-girlfriend is not considered a suspect in his case. Smolinski has no history of drug use and no police record, and he drinks only on a social basis. He held several jobs at the time of his disappearance: he worked for Midland Heating and Air Conditioning full time as an apprentice technician, had a part-time job driving a tow truck with Durable Towing, and mowed lawns and plowed driveways for side income. He was considered a dependable worker and had just been offered extra hours at one of his jobs after being laid off at another job.
Smolinski deposited most of his last paycheck in the bank prior to his disappearance; his bank accounts have not been accessed since then. At the time of his disappearance, he was prepping his house to be painted. His parents sold the house after he went missing. Smolinski's Social Security number has not been used since his disappearance.
Authorities have not found any indication that foul play was involved in Smolinski's disappearance and they believe he may have left of his own accord, but his family fears for his safety as he rarely travels anywhere and it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning. He enjoys fishing, hunting, horseback riding, demolition derbies, and snowmobiling. He studied auto mechanics at Naugatuck Valley Community College for one year and had considered a career in law enforcement. Smolinski's case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated August 28, 2008; details of disappearance updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Waterbury Police Department
203-574-6941
The National Center for Missing Adults
Billy's Guiding Light of Hope
WTNH News
The Republican-American
The New Haven Register