UPDATE: A major breakthrough has just occurred in the long-unsolved murder of Jeffrey Stephensen Smith, who was fatally shot in Soquel over a decade ago. On December 5, 2023, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Colin Sean Tisdale, aged 63, in connection with Smith’s murder, confirming a development that many feared would remain unsolved.
This shocking revelation comes after a lengthy 13-year investigation that has captivated the local community. On August 16, 2012, authorities responded to a shooting incident at a residence on Nicasio Way, where Smith, then 28, was discovered critically injured. Despite prompt medical assistance, he succumbed to his wounds shortly after first responders arrived.
The investigation took a significant turn when sheriff’s detectives, in collaboration with the California Department of Justice, secured an arrest warrant for Tisdale. Remarkably, Tisdale was already incarcerated in the Santa Cruz County Jail on unrelated charges when the warrant was executed. He has long been a person of interest, identified as a suspect in the murder as early as September 2012.
Details surrounding the case reveal that Tisdale was stopped by deputies on Highway 17 just hours after Smith’s murder. During this encounter, authorities discovered 200 methadone pills in the vehicle he was driving, leading to his subsequent conviction and sentencing to nine years in prison for drug charges in August 2013.
Smith’s tragic death left a profound impact on the community, especially on his family. He is survived by his wife, Amanda Fox Sloan, and their young daughter, who was just 17 months old at the time of his death. The aftermath of this case has been equally heartbreaking; Sloan faced legal troubles herself, including an incident in November 2012 where she allegedly fired at law enforcement during a high-speed chase. She died in custody months later under tragic circumstances.
The case of Jeffrey Smith has haunted the Soquel community for years, and Tisdale’s arrest brings a glimmer of hope for closure. As investigations continue, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with additional information to come forward.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on the upcoming legal proceedings against Tisdale. Will justice finally be served for Jeffrey Smith and his grieving family? Stay tuned for the latest updates on this unfolding case.
