A missing film executive who disappeared two years ago was officially declared dead, ABCNews.com reported.
The death certificate for Gavin Smith, 57, lists his official date of death as May 1, 2012 -- the day he went missing, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Smith's sister, Tara Addeo, told KNBC-TV a detective called her before the announcement.
"He said I don't know how to tell you this but Gavin isn't coming back," Addeo said. "There was enough biological evidence to prove that Gavin was killed."
Though his body was never found, police have collected significant evidence in the years since his disappearance.
In February 2013, investigators received a tip that led to the discovery of Smith's Mercedes-Benz in a Simi Valley storage facility -- owned by a man currently in prison on drug charges. From that point on, police changed the investigation from missing persons to homicide.
Smith allegedly had a relationship with the wife of the John Creech, who owned the storage facility, authorities said.
While Creech was declared a person of interest, police do not believe Smith was murdered by just one person.
Investigators impounded Creech's Hummer and also searched his Canoga Park home and other properties.
Smith was last seen leaving a friend's house in Ventura County. A search began after he failed to pick his son up from school, ABCNews.com said.
The last trace of his cell phone was picked up near Encinitas Avenue and Roxford Street.
Smith's wife, Lisa Smith, told The Hollywood Reporter that she is "prepared for the worst."
"I know him well. There's nothing on earth that would keep him from coming back to take care of his family," Lisa said. "I just don't picture him walking in and saying, 'I'm sorry; I just needed a breather.' I'm prepared for the worst."
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (800) 222-TIPS.
