Where Is Chris Smith’s Killer Now? What to Know About His Business Partner Ed Shin Convicted of Murdering and Impersonating Him

Ed Shin the Business Partner of the Late Chris Smith Convicted of Murder; What Happened to Him?

Chris Smith, a young tech entrepreneur known for his carefree spirit, disappeared in 2010 under mysterious circumstances. His life took a dark turn when he seemingly abandoned everything he had built, including his successful lead generation company, 800XChange, which he co-founded with his business partner, Ed Shin. The events that unfolded following Smith’s disappearance shed light on the sinister truth behind his sudden vanishing act.

In 2009, Smith was based in Laguna Beach, Calif., where he and Shin established 800XChange after meeting at a previous workplace in the lead generation industry. However, in 2010, Smith shocked his family by announcing his decision to sell his share in the business and embark on a worldwide sailing adventure. His abrupt departure included breaking up with his girlfriend via text message, leaving behind a trail of confusion and concern.

Smith continued to communicate with his family through emails detailing his alleged travels, but suspicions arose when those emails abruptly ceased in late 2010. Alarmed by the lack of contact, Smith’s family investigated further and discovered that he had never left the country as he claimed. It was later revealed that Shin, grappling with financial troubles after being caught embezzling money from another company, had a sinister role to play in Smith’s disappearance.

Shin’s arrest in 2011 uncovered a chilling truth – he had not only murdered Smith but had also assumed his identity online for six months following the crime. Shin concocted elaborate stories to deceive Smith’s loved ones about his whereabouts, while the reality was far more sinister. Prosecutors argued that Shin’s motive stemmed from his mounting financial debts and the pressure to repay what he had stolen through illegal means.

In a shocking turn of events, Shin was convicted of first-degree murder in 2019 and handed a life sentence behind bars. The trial exposed the depths of Shin’s greed and deception, painting a harrowing picture of a man driven to commit heinous acts for personal gain. Prosecutor Matt Murphy characterized the case as a stark example of greed in its most malevolent form, where a life was callously taken for monetary purposes.

The story of Chris Smith and Ed Shin serves as a cautionary tale of betrayal and deceit in the business world, where trust can easily be shattered by hidden agendas and ulterior motives. Smith’s untimely demise at the hands of his once-trusted partner sent shockwaves through their circle and left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

As for Ed Shin, his whereabouts have since been confined to a prison cell, serving his sentence without the possibility of parole. The tragic saga of Smith’s murder and Shin’s subsequent conviction serves as a somber reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly ordinary facades, highlighting the importance of vigilance and transparency in all relationships, personal and professional alike.

The tale of Chris Smith’s fateful encounter with Ed Shin stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences that can arise when greed and deceit take hold. Smith’s memory lives on as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers that can lurk beneath seemingly normal circumstances, urging us to remain vigilant and discerning in our interactions with others.