The remains of a 20th Century Fox film executive, Gavin Smith, who disappeared more than two years ago were reportedly found in a desert area on October 26, and police had stated that they believe they know what led to his killing, according to People magazine.
Although full details of the investigation haven't been released, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the information reportedly stated that Gavin Smith's blood and body tissue were found in the film executive's Mercedes-Benz, which was found at a Simi Valley storage facility nine months after his disappearance.
His skin was also reportedly stuck to one of the seats as well. The official was reportedly not authorized to speak publicly about the case and spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
"We believe we know what happened," stated Sheriff's Lt. Dave Dolson without further elaboration.
The storage facility where the 57-year-old film executive's car was found was linked to a convicted drug dealer named John Creech, who is in jail on unrelated drug charges, according to ABC News.
"I've said in the past that Gavin knew Mr. Creech's wife and there was a relationship," stated Dolson.
Although Creech remains a person of interest, he is not facing any charges related to Gavin Smith's death, according to authorities. There are reportedly no suspects in the case, but police remain "optimistic."
"We're very far along and we've made a lot of advancements in the investigation over the past couple of years," stated Dolson.
Smith was reportedly a husband and father of three and vanished after leaving the home of a female friend in May 2012. Hikers reportedly found human remains "in a shallow grave" in a rural area of Palmdale, northern Los Angeles and they were identified through dental records a few days later.
Although detectives have continued to fill in the blanks of the case, they are reportedly waiting on more details to surface.
"Even if we have the how and why part, there's other evidence that can come to surface with forensic examination of the remains," stated Capt. Rod Kusch.
