Conviction Stands Despite Physical Evidence Remaining Elusive
Flores convicted of Smart's murder despite no remains recovered from family property searches.
Event / Security
Kristin Smart Murder Investigation
California authorities conducted a search of a property in Arroyo Grande connected to Paul Flores, who was convicted in 2022 of killing college student Kristin Smart, who disappeared in 1996. Forensic experts used ground-penetrating radar and soil vapor sampling to collect evidence. The search represents a potential development in the three-decade-old case, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether remains discovered are those of Smart.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 May, 01:37 UTC
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What happened
Paul Flores convicted of Kristin Smart's murder in 2022
Paul Flores, a fellow student at California Polytechnic State University, was convicted in October 2022 of the murder of Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student who went missing in May 1996. Smart was alleged to have been killed during an attempted rape, and Flores was identified as the last person seen with her. He was sentenced in 2023 to 25 years to life in prison.
Search of Flores family home yields no remains of Kristin Smart
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office completed a search of Susan Flores' property in Arroyo Grande, California on Saturday. Despite initial evidence suggesting human remains were present at the home, with scientists specializing in human decomposition taking soil samples, no remains of Kristin Smart were found during the search.
Kristin Smart declared legally dead in 2002
Kristin Smart, who went missing from California Polytechnic State University in May 1996, was declared legally dead in 2002. Her body has never been found despite ongoing investigation efforts.
Sheriff reports evidence of human remains at California home linked to Kristin Smart case
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson announced that evidence suggests human remains were present at a home in Arroyo Grande connected to Paul Flores, who was convicted in 2022 of killing Kristin Smart. Authorities conducted a search beginning Wednesday using ground-penetrating radar and soil vapor sampling. Scientists specializing in human decomposition collected soil samples from the property owned by Susan Flores, Paul Flores' mother. The sheriff stated they cannot confirm whether the remains are those of Smart or whether additional warrants will be sought to excavate the property.
Kristin Smart declared legally dead in 2002, 30 years after disappearance
Kristin Smart, who disappeared from California Polytechnic State University in May 1996, was declared legally dead in 2002. Her body has never been located or identified.
Court orders Paul Flores to pay Smart family over $350,000 in restitution
In 2024, a judge ruled that Paul Flores must pay just over $350,000 to Kristin Smart's family for costs they incurred following her death. The Smart family stated it would forgo restitution if Flores would reveal the location of her remains.
Paul Flores and father arrested in 2021 in connection with Kristin Smart case
Paul Flores and his father, Ruben Flores, were arrested in 2021. Prosecutors alleged Smart's remains were buried on Ruben Flores' property and later moved. Ruben Flores was acquitted of accessory charges.
Podcaster's investigation helped bring forward new witnesses in Kristin Smart case
Chris Lambert, who produced the 'Your Own Backyard' podcast, helped investigators by bringing forward additional witnesses in the Kristin Smart case. Lambert reported the Wednesday search of Susan Flores' property and noted that past searches of the home had not been thorough.
Paul Flores convicted in 2022 of killing Kristin Smart, a missing college student from 1996
Paul Flores, a fellow student at California Polytechnic State University, was convicted in 2022 of killing Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student who disappeared in May 1996 after returning from an off-campus party. Prosecutors alleged Smart was killed during an attempted rape and that Flores was the last person seen with her. Smart's body has never been found. Flores was sentenced to prison in March 2023 and has since been physically attacked at least twice while incarcerated.
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Court Orders Flores to Pay Smart Family Restitution
Court mandates Paul Flores pay Smart family $350,000+ in restitution as case resolution advances.
Human remains discovered at property in Kristin Smart murder investigation
Human remains evidence discovered at property in Kristin Smart murder investigation linking to convicted killer Paul Flores.