Ongoing Search Linked to Kristin Smart Case
Authorities are set to continue their search on Thursday at a residence connected to Paul Flores, the man convicted of killing 19-year-old college student Kristin Smart in 1996, according to law enforcement officials.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office executed a warrant on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation into Smart's disappearance. Despite extensive efforts, her remains have never been recovered, and she was declared legally dead in 2002. Paul Flores was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the crime.
Details of the Search
Law enforcement officials searched a home in Arroyo Grande, a town on California's central coast, which is occupied by Susan Flores, the mother of Paul Flores. This information was confirmed through public records and reporting by the Your Own Backyard podcast, which has closely followed the case.
“The Sheriff’s office remains committed to bringing Kristin home to her family,”
the sheriff’s statement said.“No further information is available.”
The Your Own Backyard podcast, credited with aiding investigators by bringing forward additional witnesses, was the first to report the search and identified the home as belonging to Susan Flores. Attempts to contact Susan Flores for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Background on Kristin Smart's Disappearance
Kristin Smart disappeared in May 1996 from California Polytechnic State University after attending an off-campus party. Prosecutors alleged that she was killed during an attempted rape and that the last person seen with her was Paul Flores, who was also a student at the university.
Both Paul Flores and his father, Ruben Flores, were arrested in 2021. Prosecutors claimed that Smart’s remains were initially buried on Ruben Flores’ property and later moved. Ruben Flores was acquitted of accessory charges related to the case. It is important to note that the property searched on Wednesday is different from Ruben Flores’ property.
Legal Proceedings and Developments
Paul Flores was sentenced in March 2023 and has reportedly been physically attacked at least twice while in prison.
In 2024, a judge ordered Paul Flores to pay over $350,000 in restitution to Kristin Smart’s family to cover costs they incurred following her death.
The Smart family has expressed willingness to forgo restitution if Paul Flores discloses the location of Kristin’s remains. However, Flores’ attorney, Harold Mesick, stated in 2024 that the defense does not know where the remains are located. Paul Flores continues to maintain his innocence.
Statements from Authorities
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Wednesday that it is assisting the sheriff’s office with the investigation.
“While those responsible for Kristin’s death – and those with knowledge of her whereabouts – could provide answers at any time, we remain firmly committed to using every lawful tool available to locate Kristin’s remains and to support her family until she is brought home,”
said Dan Dow, the district attorney, in a statement.
