Angela had met a man on the internet who called himself Craig Raether. Raether said he was 27 years old and his parents had been killed in a car accident. He went to meet Angela in person in May 2006, and also met her mother, Michelle Finger. Michelle distrusted Raether and believed he was lying about his age and background. Raether proposed marriage to Angela the day after they met in person. Michelle said her daughter's attitude and behavior changed immediately after she met Raether. She began dressing differently and acted disrespectfully towards her parents. Michelle went on a vacation to Florida shortly afterwards and when she returned, Angela had moved out. All her belongings were gone, her phone was disconnected and no one had heard from her.

Michelle subsequently discovered "Craig Raether" was not who he said he was. His true identity was William Matthew Smolich. The real Craig Raether was a former friend of his. Smolich=2 0had stolen his identity, and also used the alias Shawn Odow. A photograph of Smolich is posted below this case summary. His date of birth is February 5, 1969, making him 37 years old in 2006. He is Caucasian, 5'11 and 195 pounds, with blond hair and brown eyes. He is wanted in Colorado for failure to register as a sex offender, and is also wanted on eight charges in Arizona.

Michelle found photos of Angela on pornographic websites registered to Smolich. She found out Smolich's phone number, called it, and was able to speak to Angela for a few seconds. She told Angela Smolich's real name and his sex offender status. Then the line went dead and Michelle was unable to reach her daughter again. After the phone call, Smolich took his websites offline.

Angela is believed to be in danger and may have met with foul play. Her case remains unsolved.

 Tattoo on Angela's Back

William Matthew Smolich

If you have any information regarding the location or well-being of Angela Marie Finger, please contact her mother, Michele Finger.  

12.31.2008

Radio show for this case is on hold.

Brian

notes from show

UPDATE 1.1.2009 1:07 AM: Show is ok to post...and is here.

1.1.2009

Talked with Gale for about 30 minutes on this case, notes and maps follow.

Brian

1.4.2009

Hi Brian,