In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a big step was made in solving a crime that happened almost a decade ago. A man named Douglas Smith, 68, was arrested in California for allegedly committing a double murder in 2015. The victims, George Manley and Dwight Brockman, were killed during a robbery at a coin shop. The Cheyenne Police Department, with the help of other agencies, has been working on this case for many years. This arrest may finally bring closure to the victims’ families and the Cheyenne community.
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2015 | Crime Occurs | A shooting and robbery at The Coin Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming leaves two men dead. |
| August 4, 2015 | Reward Offered | The Numismatic Crime Information Center offers a $5,000 reward for information. |
| 2015 – 2023 | Ongoing Investigation | Case remains open with five different detectives assigned over time. |
| March 2023 | Case Revisited | Cheyenne Police review evidence and explore new technological options for finding leads. |
| June 25, 2024 | Arrest Made | Douglas Smith, 68, is arrested in McCloud, California on charges of first-degree murder. |
| June 2024 | Extradition Awaits | Smith awaits extradition to Wyoming to face charges in the Cheyenne double homicide case. |
| Present | Case Handed Over to District Attorney | Laramie County DA’s Office prepares for prosecution. |
Main Content (Structured for Clarity)
The Initial Crime in 2015
On July 20, 2015, Cheyenne Police responded to a call about a robbery and shooting at The Coin Shop. Upon arrival, officers found George Manley, 76, and Dwight Brockman, 67, dead from gunshot wounds. This tragic event shook the community, as both men were well-known locals.
A Complex Investigation
The investigation has been open since the crime happened in 2015. Over the years, five different detectives and one civilian were assigned to the case. In March 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department decided to look into the evidence again to see if new technology could help solve the case.
Arrest in California
On June 25, 2024, Cheyenne Police, with the help of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Douglas Smith in McCloud, California. Smith faces two charges of first-degree murder and is now awaiting extradition back to Cheyenne, where he will stand trial.
A Dedicated Police Force
The current Cheyenne Police Chief, Mark Francisco, took special interest in this case. Since becoming Chief, he made solving this double murder a priority. The detectives spent over 1,500 hours on the case, re-examining evidence and following new leads. They also traveled to California and Colorado to conduct interviews, at a cost of around $11,106.
Teamwork Across Agencies
This investigation was a combined effort. The Cheyenne Police Department worked with many agencies, including the FBI, California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Marshals Service. The strong collaboration was essential in bringing about this recent arrest.
The Role of the District Attorney
Now, the case has been handed over to the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. District Attorney’s offices play a crucial role in making sure suspects face trial, ensuring justice is served. This partnership between the police and the DA’s office has been key to building a strong case.
Community Reward and Support
In 2015, the Numismatic Crime Information Center offered a $5,000 reward for information that could help solve this case. Many people in the community shared tips and leads, helping investigators over the years.
Hope for Closure
The arrest of Douglas Smith brings hope to the community and the victims’ families. Chief Francisco expressed gratitude to the team for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked the District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to justice.
Conclusion
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that remained unsolved for almost a decade. The dedication of the Cheyenne Police Department, combined with the cooperation of other agencies, has brought this case closer to resolution. The families of George Manley and Dwight Brockman can now hope for justice, while the Cheyenne community finds some peace. This case serves as a reminder of how perseverance and collaboration can make a difference, even in challenging investigations.
FAQs
Q1: What happened in the 2015 Cheyenne double murder case?
In 2015, two men, George Manley and Dwight Brockman, were shot and killed during a robbery at The Coin Shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The case remained unsolved for nearly a decade until an arrest was made in 2024.
Q2: Who was arrested in connection with the murders?
Douglas Smith, 68, from McCloud, California, was arrested in June 2024 on charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of Manley and Brockman. He is currently awaiting extradition to Wyoming.
Q3: How did police make an arrest after so many years?
Cheyenne Police re-examined the case in March 2023, using updated investigative methods and technologies. This, along with new leads and a detailed review of evidence, led to the arrest of Douglas Smith in California.
Q4: Who helped Cheyenne Police in this investigation?
The investigation involved various agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, and state and local law enforcement from California and Colorado. These partnerships were crucial in making the arrest.
Q5: How long did the investigation take?
The investigation spanned nearly nine years, with more than 1,500 hours spent on reviewing evidence, tracking leads, and conducting interviews across multiple states.