Shin had a history of financial trouble, including a past embezzlement conviction. He and Smith were arguing over a large sum of money ($700,000) that Shin owed and Smith wanted paid back personally.

After Smith disappeared, Shin pretended to be Smith in emails to his family for months, claiming to be on a trip. When the family became suspicious, they reported Smith missing.

Police found Smith’s blood in the business office, which had been cleaned. Shin’s assistant, Kenny Kraft, was also arrested for helping cover up the crime.

Shin confessed to killing Smith but claimed self-defense. He said he paid someone to dispose of the body. The jury didn’t believe his story and he was sentenced to life in prison. Kraft’s charges were later dropped.

Police believe Shin disposed of Smith’s body near the Mexican border, based on his phone records. Smith’s body has never been found. The motive was likely Shin’s unwillingness to pay Smith the money he owed.