The family of Dwight M. Brockman, the Cheyenne coin shop owner who, along with his friend George "Doc" Manley, was gunned down at his shop nine years ago, says they're "joyful and happy" the alleged killer has finally been arrested, but it's "only the beginning of the end."

The family released the following statement on Thursday afternoon, asking that it be printed as written:

On June 25, 2024 we received the news that an arrest had been made in the murder case of our family patriarch Dwight M. Brockman and dear fried George Manley or “Doc” as most knew him.  We have hoped and prayed for this day for 8 years 11 months and 5 days. This is wonderful news for our families, as well as the friends of both men plus the whole community. We are Joyful and Happy for it, as all should be. Yet it is bittersweet at best, for this is not the end but only the beginning of the end, as there is still a long judicial process to come.

We thank the community for their ongoing hope, prayers, thoughts and support. It has been overwhelming as I am sure it will continue to be through the ongoing proceedings.

We also thank the Cheyenne Police Department for their dedicated and tireless work and efforts on this case to bring it before the court. We commend Detective Pendleton and Detective Cover, we can never thank you enough, may God be with you always.

We thank the District Attorney’s office for the decision to pursue the Brutal, senseless and inexcusable crimes committed on that day to a conviction.

​As this crime will never be forgotten by our families. It will indeed bring some comfort and solace for us. It is our hope that it will do the same for the many friends of Dwight and Doc as well as the whole community.

​​​​​With everlasting hope for a better and brighter future for all in our community, we sincerely Thank You All.

​​​​​​May God Bless All with prayers and Love:

​​​​​​​The Family of Dwight M. Brockman

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Jaimel Blajszczak, Townsquare Media
Jaimel Blajszczak, Townsquare Media
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The Murders

The horrific murders happened around 9:30 a.m. on July 20, 2015, at The Coin Shop at 510 W. Lincolnway in downtown Cheyenne, just blocks from the Depot Plaza where a Cheyenne Frontier Days pancake breakfast was winding down.

Large crowds were circulating through the area when police received a report of a shooting and robbery in progress.

Officers arrived to find Brockman, 67, and Manley, 76, shot to death.

Their deaths were ruled as homicides.

Canva | Cheyenne Police Department | Jaimel Blajszczak, Townsquare Media | wrcfuneral.com
Canva | Cheyenne Police Department | Jaimel Blajszczak, Townsquare Media | wrcfuneral.com
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The Investigation

The investigation remained open, with assignments to five different case detectives and one civilian.

In March 2023, detectives revisited the evidence, with goals of generating additional investigative recommendations and determining if newly available technologies would produce more leads to solve the case.

Cheyenne Police Department
Cheyenne Police Department
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The Arrest

On June 25, 2024, detectives, with help from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 68-year-old McCloud, California resident Douglas Mark Smith on a warrant for two counts of first-degree murder, a crime punishable by death, life without parole, or life.

Police Chief Mark Francisco says Smith, the original 911 caller, was working in Cheyenne when the murders occurred.

Smith was extradited to Cheyenne and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center on July 3, 2024.

Laramie County Sheriff's Office
Laramie County Sheriff's Office
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Smith Makes First Court Appearance

Smith made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on July 5, 2024.

Judge Sean Chambers set no bond in his case, meaning Smith isn't eligible for release from jail.

Smith is scheduled to be back in Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing on July 12, 2024, at 9 a.m.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Laramie County's Most Wanted Fugitives

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office is currently looking for these individuals:

Gallery Credit: Joy Greenwald

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