6 Nov 2014 2:23 PM PT
Gavin Smith Image: People Magazine
Yesterday we reported that the missing Fox Distribution Executive, Gavin Smith’s body had been found in Angeles National Forest. We learned today that the investigation team, based on evidence found, believe Smith had been murdered in his car before being taken to his “shallow grave” in Angeles National Forest. It was the intent of the killer(s) that he not be found, according to law enforcement officials.
The 57-year old Smith, who was a former college basketball star, had been found on October 26 by hikers in the Angeles National Forest. Police did not think that Smith had been shot when killed. Instead L.A. County Sheriff’s Lt. David Dolson said today that Smiths body showed signs of trauma. He emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and no conclusions have been drawn, including whether or not the homicide was performed by a single or multiple killers and that no arrests have been made in the case. “Because of the discovery of Gavin’s remains, there’s potentially a lot more evidence for us to process, which could develop additional leads, which we’ll have to follow up on” Dolson elaborates.
The storage locker where Smith’s car was found was registered as belonging to John Creech, who is serving a prison sentence for a drug-related case and whose wife met Smith in rehab. Creech was not yet behind bars when Smith disappeared.
If anyone has any information they feel can help law enforcement on this case, please contact the Los Angeles County Sherrff Department ; their Special Victims Bureau at or if you wish to remain anonyous call LA Crime Stoppers .