Irvine business searched for leads in slaying
Investigators served search warrants at a business in Irvine as they continued to probe the slaying of a Laguna Beach Internet advertising executive.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials searched a business in the 18000 block of Sky Park Circle on Friday.
Orange County prosecutors allege that Christopher Ryan Smith, a 32-year-old Internet executive, was killed by his business partner, Edward Younghoon Shin, in their San Juan Capistrano office last year. Shin is also accused of using Smith’s email account to contact Smith’s family in Oregon. The emails indicated that Smith was traveling in Africa.
Shin was arrested last week and charged with Smith’s killing. Law enforcement sources said the Irvine business had some link to Shin but did not provide specifics.
Authorities also arrested Shin’s personal assistant last week for allegedly helping Shin dispose of Smith’s belongings and vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty. Shin has not entered a plea and neither he nor his attorney could be reached for comment.
Detectives said Shin confessed to killing Smith but has not revealed what he did with Smith’s body.
Steven Smith, Christopher’s father, issued an appeal for help.
“Our family wants Christopher’s remains back. We want to know where Christopher is. Someone out there can help us.”
Anybody with information on the case is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department homicide unit at (714) 647-4578. Information calls can also be placed to (866) 847-6273.
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