Edward Shin murder case is focus of new ’20/20′ episode airing tonight

The high-profile murder of a man by his friend and business partner, and the elaborate scheme to cover up the slaying, will be the focus of a two-hour broadcast by ABC News’ “20/20” airing Friday, Jan. 24, as well as an upcoming podcast.

The special-circumstances murder trial of Edward Shin for the killing of Chris Smith in San Juan Capistrano was one of the most closely watched criminal cases in Orange County in recent years, ending late last year with Shin getting sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Shin admitted to covering up Smith’s 2010 death for months by sending dozens of emails posing as Smith to Smith’s friends and family – weaving wild, cinematic tales of surfing waves and seeking adventure across the world.

Prosecutors allege that Shin killed Smith to gain full financial control over their company and access to a stash of gold coins at Smith’s apartment. At the time, they were in their early 30’s.

The ’20/20′ episode airing at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, as well as the upcoming podcast series on the case, “Cutthroat Inc.” that debuts on Feb. 27, includes new interviews with Shin and Smith’s family and former colleagues, according to ABC News.

For detailed coverage about the case, please see the stories below: