Missing Fox executive Gavin Smith’s car found, homicide detectives take over

The case of missing Fox executive Gavin Smith has taken a tragic turn after police discovered his car on Thursday. Homicide detectives have taken over the case and believe that Smith has been killed.

Thanks to a tip, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives found Smith’s Mercedes Benz in Ventura county at a Simi Valley storage facility on Feb. 21, reports CBS LA. Police didn’t announce the discovery until Thursday, when LASD Lt. Dave Dolson told KNX 1070 that they believe Smith is dead, based on the car’s condition.

“We believe that Gavin is dead. His body hasn't been recovered yet,” Dolson explained.

The storage facility is linked to John Creech, who has been jailed for an unrelated narcotics charge. E! News reports that Creech’s wife, Chandrika, was in a romantic relationship with Smith after meeting in 2008.

Smith, 57, first went missing back in May 2012 and his family offered $20,000 for information.

Smith’s wife, Lisa, spoke with The Los Angeles Times, noting that their three sons were “devastated” by the news.

“Truly, truly this is what my sons and I thought happened all along,” she told the Times. “For the rest of the world to know that he didn't leave us is huge. He would have never done that. We knew from the get-go that something horrible had happened because he just wouldn't do this.”

Smith was a former UCLA basketball player and worked in Fox’s distribution department.