Thomas Riha, a 39-year-old professor of Russian history at the University of Colorado, vanished from his Boulder, Colorado home on March 15, 1969. Born in Czechoslovakia, Riha was a naturalized U.S. citizen with a doctorate from Harvard who had also taught at the University of Chicago before joining the faculty at CU Boulder in 1967. He was known for being a meticulous and punctual individual. His disappearance was noted when he failed to appear for his classes. Upon entering his home, police found the breakfast table set, but the food was untouched. His personal belongings, including his shaving kit and clothing, were still in the house, and an open briefcase lay amidst scattered papers on his desk. The scene was one of disarray, which was uncharacteristic for the typically orderly professor.
The investigation into Riha's disappearance quickly became entangled with a mysterious woman named Galya Tannenbaum, who referred to herself as 'the Colonel'. Tannenbaum, who had a criminal record for forgery and embezzlement, claimed Riha was alive and well. After he went missing, she began to sell his property, including his car and house, and even donated some of his belongings to a museum. Forged documents transferring the title of Riha's house to Tannenbaum were discovered by police. The case took a darker turn as Tannenbaum was also a person of interest in two separate deaths by cyanide poisoning where she was named the beneficiary. When police searched her home in connection with the forgeries, they found Riha's passport and cyanide. She was arrested for forgery and committed to the Colorado State Hospital after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
The circumstances surrounding Thomas Riha's disappearance have fueled speculation for decades, with theories ranging from espionage to murder. His background as a Czech-American historian specializing in Russia during the Cold War led some to wonder about his potential involvement with intelligence agencies like the CIA or even the Russian government. Early in the investigation, the FBI and CIA were involved, with conflicting reports about Riha's well-being and whereabouts. Tannenbaum, before taking her own life with cyanide in the state hospital, gave conflicting accounts, at one point claiming to a fellow patient that she had killed Riha and disposed of his body, and at another point denying her involvement. Despite a U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee hearing and reported sightings that were never confirmed, no definitive answers have ever come to light. The case remains an unsolved mystery, leaving friends and family without closure.
Last Seen: Mar 15, 1969
