Authorities plan to continue on Thursday their search of a home connected to the man convicted of killing 19-year-old college student Kristin Smart in 1996, according to law enforcement. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office served a warrant on Wednesday at a residence in Arroyo Grande, a central coast town, as part of the ongoing investigation into Smart's disappearance. Her remains have never been found, and she was declared legally dead in 2002.
Conviction and Sentencing
Paul Flores was convicted in October 2022 and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Kristin Smart. The crime occurred in May 1996 when Smart vanished from California Polytechnic State University after returning from an off-campus party. Prosecutors alleged that Smart was killed during an attempted rape and that Flores, a fellow student, was the last person seen with her.
Search Details
The home being searched is occupied by Flores' mother, Susan Flores, according to public records and reporting by the "Your Own Backyard" podcast, which helped investigators crack the case by bringing forward additional witnesses. The Sheriff's Office stated, "The Sheriff's Office remains committed to bringing Kristin home to her family. No further information is available." Attempts to reach Susan Flores for comment were unsuccessful.
This property is different from the one owned by Ruben Flores, Paul's father, where prosecutors alleged Smart's remains were initially buried and later moved. Ruben Flores was acquitted of accessory charges in 2022.
Legal and Financial Aftermath
Paul Flores was sentenced in March 2023 and has been physically attacked at least twice while in prison. In 2024, a judge ordered Flores to pay just over $350,000 to Smart's family for costs incurred after her death. The family has stated they would waive restitution if Flores would disclose the location of Kristin's body. Flores' attorney, Harold Mesick, said in 2024 that the defense does not know where her remains are, and Flores maintains his innocence.
District Attorney Dan Dow said in a statement, "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."
