Christopher Ryan Smith, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Laguna Beach, California, was last seen on June 4, 2010. He co-owned an internet advertising company, 800Xchange, with his business partner, Edward Shin. The two were involved in a financial dispute over the company's ownership. Smith wanted out of the business, seeking $1 million for his share. However, rather than paying him, Shin murdered Smith in their San Juan Capistrano office and subsequently attempted to cover it up.
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<br>After Smith’s disappearance, Shin fabricated emails from Smith to his family, claiming that Smith had sold his business and was traveling the world on a "surf safari." The charade continued for several months, but Smith’s family became suspicious due to inconsistencies in the emails and ultimately hired a private investigator. In April 2011, they reported Smith missing. Police later found bloodstains in the office the two men had shared, confirmed through DNA to be Smith’s. In August 2011, Shin was arrested and eventually confessed to killing Smith but claimed it was in self-defense.
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<br>Despite Shin's confession, Smith’s body has never been found. Authorities believe Shin disposed of the body in a remote area near the Mexican border. Shin was convicted of murder in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This case has drawn widespread attention due to the elaborate deception that followed Smith's murder.Last Seen: Jun 4, 2010
