Overview

On January 23, 2005, Sheree was last seen alive at the former Colonial Motel in downtown Salt Lake City. According to investigators, she was with an acquaintance later identified as Carl “Big Smooth” Swanigan, who became a significant person of interest.

The following day, January 24, 2005, a man searching through trash discovered Sheree’s body in a dumpster behind a strip mall in West Valley City. She had been wrapped in black garbage bags and was later determined to have died by strangulation.

Detailed Case Breakdown

Sheree Allen Case Summary: Inside the Unsolved 2005 West Valley City Murder

The murder of Sheree Allen remains one of Utah’s most heartbreaking unsolved homicide cases. More than two decades after the 22-year-old mother of four was found strangled and discarded in a dumpster in West Valley City, investigators and her family continue searching for answers.

Sheree’s case has drawn renewed attention through advocacy by her mother, media coverage, and features from organizations such as Project: Cold Case and Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Despite multiple leads and a longtime person of interest, no one has ever been charged.

Who Was Sheree Allen?

Born on May 6, 1982, Sheree Allen was originally from Cincinnati. Her family moved to Utah in 1989 to help manage asthma affecting both Sheree and her father.

Family members remember Sheree as athletic, funny, and deeply caring. She loved basketball and soccer, enjoyed cooking with her mother, and dreamed of becoming a nurse. At the time of her death, she was married and raising four children—two sets of twins.

The Last Known Hours

On January 23, 2005, Sheree was last seen alive at the former Colonial Motel in downtown Salt Lake City. According to investigators, she was with an acquaintance later identified as Carl “Big Smooth” Swanigan, who became a significant person of interest.

The following day, January 24, 2005, a man searching through trash discovered Sheree’s body in a dumpster behind a strip mall in West Valley City. She had been wrapped in black garbage bags and was later determined to have died by strangulation.

Investigation and Suspects

Carl Swanigan was among the last known people to see Sheree alive. He initially cooperated with police but later declined further interviews. Authorities publicly acknowledged his importance to the case, but he was never charged and died in 2014.

Law enforcement has stated that other individuals may still possess crucial information about Sheree’s final hours. Because Swanigan is deceased, investigators believe witness testimony and tips from associates could be essential to solving the case.

Family’s Ongoing Fight for Justice

Sheree’s mother, Lillie Allen, has spent over 20 years advocating for her daughter. She frequently contacts investigators and works with the Utah Cold Case Coalition to keep public attention on the murder.

Each Christmas, Sheree’s family visits her grave and brings her favorite dessert, a homemade 7-Up cake, honoring a daughter remembered for her generous spirit and radiant smile.

Renewed Public Attention

In recent years, Sheree Allen’s case has been highlighted by several organizations and media outlets:

1. Project: Cold Case published a detailed feature in May 2026.
2. FOX 13 News Utah reported on the case in 2024, featuring interviews with Lillie Allen.
3. The Deck Podcast devoted an episode to her story.
4. Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification continues to list the homicide as active and unsolved.

These efforts have helped generate new interest and keep Sheree’s story in the public eye.

Latest Investigation Update (2026)

As of May 2026:

1. The homicide remains officially unsolved.
2. No arrests have been made.
3. Authorities continue to accept and review tips.
4. Investigators believe people connected to Sheree’s final movements may still hold key information.
5. The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification and West Valley City Police Department maintain active case listings and tip lines.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Utah Cold Case Coalition: 385-258-3313
West Valley City Police Department: 801-965-5320
Utah Cold Case Tip Hotline: 833-377-7233

Why the Sheree Allen Case Still Matters

Sheree Allen was more than a cold case statistic—she was a daughter, mother, wife, and aspiring nurse whose life was cut short at just 22 years old. Her family’s persistence has ensured that her story continues to reach new audiences, increasing the chances that someone will come forward with the information needed to solve her murder.

After more than 21 years, investigators remain convinced that the truth is still within reach.

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Facebook Post:

𝐏𝐂𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭- 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧

“…𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

Full PCC Spotlight Article linked in comments, including news stories, photos, and more.

On January 24, 2005, Sheree Allen, 22, was found strangled and wrapped in black garbage bags in a dumpster behind a Hollywood Video in West Valley City, Utah. She was last seen with a male suspect. Her homicide remains unsolved. The family continues to advocate and fight for judicial resolution.

Anyone with information regarding Sheree’s unsolved homicide is asked to call the West Valley City Police Department at (801) 963-3300. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers USA (800) 222-8477.