Fraud Week: Unraveling the Mystery of Ed Shin's True Identity, and Chris Smith's Disappearance, with Matt Murphy | Ep. 815
Jun 11, 2024
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Matt Murphy, prosecutor in the case of Ed Shin and Chris Smith, delves into Shin's financial crimes, double life, Smith's disappearance, Shin's lies, evidence, motive, trial moments, and California laws hindering the truth. The discussion uncovers the mystery surrounding Smith's disappearance and the intricacies of prosecuting a murder case without a body, shedding light on the deceptions and challenges faced in seeking justice.
Ed Shin's financial crimes and double life, Chris Smith's mysterious disappearance and strange emails, Shin's lying abilities and refusal to admit truth
Deep dives
The Hidden Financial Dispute and Disappearance
Chris and Ed Shin had a successful business earning over $12 million in the first year but Ed's gambling addiction led to a financial dispute. When pressure mounted for the $700,000 owed, Ed resorted to extreme measures. Chris, about to get engaged, started feeling the strain and hired an attorney to oversee finances, discovering the dubious situation. The deteriorating financial situation and Ed's drastic actions triggered a series of unsettling events.
Unraveling the Mysterious Disappearance
When Chris mysteriously disappeared, his family's concern grew as emails from him detailing a global trip came with changing narratives. As suspicions heightened, blood evidence in their former office hinted at foul play. Interviews with employees exposed Ed's extravagant gambling sprees leading to a high-stakes financial crisis. Further investigation revealed distressing clues, pointing towards a nefarious turn of events.
The Chilling Discovery and Arrest
As investigators uncovered blood evidence and traced Ed's suspicious activities post-Chris's disappearance, a grim picture emerged. The search led to a desert location where Ed was seen driving late at night. Chillingly, the single cell phone tower indicated the probable disposal of Chris's body. Ed's attempt to flee to Canada raised red flags, culminating in his arrest and the unraveling of a sinister chain of events.
Prosecuting the Case and Seeking Closure for the Family
The podcast episode delves into the intense investigation and arrest of an individual, Ed, who changed his story multiple times regarding a mysterious disappearance. Through the prosecutor's strategic approach, they aimed to establish the victim's death without a body by utilizing testimonies and evidence. The relentless pursuit of justice was highlighted in the prosecutor's interactions with the victim's family post-verdict, showcasing the commitment to bringing closure and accountability.
Challenges in Obtaining Evidence and Legal Ramifications
The narrative shifts to the legal intricacies and challenges faced, such as confirming the victim's death without physical remains. The podcast emphasizes the importance of corroborating forensic evidence to counter the suspect's changing narrative. Additionally, it addresses the defendant's response in court, withholding crucial information despite serving a life sentence. The evolving legal landscape and implications of life imprisonment without parole add layers of complexity to the case.
It's Fraud Week on the Megyn Kelly Show, and now we turn to the story of Ed Shin and Chris Smith, with the prosecutor in the case, Matt Murphy, author of "The Book of Murder." Matt and Megyn discuss Shin's past financial crimes, Shin's double life involving gambling and more, Shin's relationships with his business partner Chris Smith, the mysterious circumstances of Smith's disappearance, the strange emails Smith sent to his family for months, how Shin eventually was caught, the evidence that he had something to do with Smith's disappearance, what the motive may have been, where Shin may have disposed of Smith's body, the moment in the trial he was able to grill Shin on the stand, the key moment that was crucial to getting Shin convicted, how great at lying Shin and other fraudsters are, why Shin will never admit the truth because of California's "crazy" legislature, and more.