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Authorities in California have conducted a search at a residence linked to Paul Flores, the man found guilty of murdering Kristin Smart, according to official statements.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office disclosed via Facebook that a search warrant was carried out on Wednesday at a property located on the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande. This action is part of ongoing inquiries into Smart’s disappearance and involves her convicted killer, Paul Flores. The home, as indicated by public records and the “Your Own Backyard” podcast, is occupied by Susan Flores, Paul’s mother, who was the first to report the search.
“The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the property on the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande as part of efforts to resolve the Kristin Smart case. The search was authorized by a warrant signed by a Superior Court judge,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in its post. “Our commitment to reuniting Kristin with her family remains steadfast.”
In October 2022, Paul Flores, aged 49, was found guilty of murdering Smart and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after a trial that lasted three months.
Images released by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office show investigators actively examining the home in connection with the ongoing case of Kristin Smart’s disappearance.
Smart was a 19-year-old student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) when Flores killed her during an attempted rape at his dorm room, prosecutors said. Her body was left at an unknown location, leading investigators to continue searching. She first went missing 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.