Stephen Solem
December 20, 1972
Denver, Colorado
9News.com
Colorado
Police say 35-year-old murder case could still be solved
posted by: John Fosholt , Producer/Photographer
created: 11/19/2007 3:01:19 PM
DENVER - Stephen Solem's friends still gather to talk about his life and the mystery of his death in 1972.
Solem was a 21-year-old college student at the University of Colorado. In December 1972, he started driving Yellow Cabs to help pay tuition. He was murdered during his third day on the job.
His friends have not forgotten him.
"Steve was a good buddy to a lot of people," said childhood chum Joel Somers. "He was a very bright guy."
"He was my first love," said Margaret Rawlinson. "Granted, we were very young."
Wes Allen played ball with Solem in high school and still hopes his killer can be found.
"There's a moral sense of outrage for me," said Allen, "as well as a personal loss."
Denver Police say Solem picked up a fare at the Hi-Rise Bar on West Colfax about 2 a.m. on December 20, 1972. Shortly after, somebody brutally beat him and left him on the street near the corner of Bryant and 9th Avenue.
A trail of blood showed that Solem had gone door to door looking for help, before he collapsed and died. His cab was found in a vacant lot in northwest Denver several hours later.
Det. Martin Vigil believes the case can be solved.
"If there's a witness out there who's felt guilt for 35 years, they may want to come forward," said Vigil. "We have new technology, and we can look at the investigation through new eyes."
If you can help with the investigation, call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Your information could make you eligible for a cash reward.
(Copyright KUSA*TV. All rights reserved.)
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