According to a Supplementary Report found in Billy's file, the Waterbury Police Department had received a tip on June 12, 2006 from an informant who claimed he had information about Billy's disappearance. The report states that the informant told police Billy had been murdered by Madeleine Gleason's son, Shaun Karpiuk. The informant told police that he was told Karpiuk intervened in an argument between Billy and his mother and strangled Billy to death. The informant went on to say that Karpiuk took Billy's body to a construction site in Shelton and dumped it inside a hole, which was filled with concrete the following morning. Unfortunately, police were unable to question Karpiuk, who had died of a drug overdose just three months after Billy's disappearance.
In May 2007, local law enforcement, aided by the FBI, used cadaver-sniffing dogs to search several areas in and around the area the informant had mentioned to police. However, they were unable to turn up any new leads.
For now, Billy's disappearance remains unsolved. Authorities have not officially named any suspects, and they refuse to comment on the current status of the investigation.
"Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong for our family," Janice said. "We are simply trying to find our son. Until we do, our relentless search continues."
Billy's family currently maintains a Web site devoted to the case at www.justice4billy.com. According to the Web site, a $60,000 reward is being offered for "information leading to arrest and convictions in the case."
William "Billy" Smolinski is described as 6' and 200 lbs., with light brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven FBI office at 203-777-6311. Those who wish to remain anonymous can email info@justice4billy.com or write to P.O. Box 123, Cheshire CT. 06410.
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