Authorities in California have conducted a search at a residence linked to the man found guilty of murdering Kristin Smart, as confirmed by officials.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announced via Facebook that investigators executed a search warrant on Wednesday at a property located in the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande. This search is part of the ongoing investigation into Smart’s disappearance and involves her convicted murderer, Paul Flores. The residence is occupied by his mother, Susan Flores, as noted in public records and first reported by the “Your Own Backyard” podcast.
“The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is further examining the property on East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande, in connection with the Kristin Smart case. This action follows a search warrant authorized by a Superior Court judge,” the Sheriff’s Office shared in a Facebook update. “We remain dedicated to reuniting Kristin with her family.”
Paul Flores, now 49, was convicted of Smart’s murder and sentenced to 25 years to life after a three-month trial concluded in October 2022.
Images from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office show investigators conducting a search at a home linked to Kristin Smart’s disappearance.
Smart was a 19-year-old student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) when prosecutors say Flores killed her during an attempted rape in his dormitory. Her remains have yet to be found, prompting ongoing investigative efforts. She vanished in May 1996.
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow said in a statement that his office is also committed to finding Smart’s remains.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement investigators executed a search warrant at a home connected to the Kristin Smart disappearance. (San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office)
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a house connected to the disappearance of Kristin Smart. (San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office)
“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,” Dow said.
A judge ruled in 2024 that Paul Flores must pay more than $350,000 to Smart’s family for expenses after their daughter’s death.
Paul Flores was convicted in October for the 1996 killing of Kristin Smart, a California college student who disappeared.
The Smart family said it would stop pursuing the restitution payment if Flores revealed where their daughter’s body was discarded, but Flores’ attorney claimed that the convicted murderer doesn’t know where the remains are.
Susan Flores could not be reached for comment.
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