ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities have concluded a search at a property linked to a man convicted of murder in the case of Kristin Smart, a college student who vanished in 1996. The search did not yield any remains, as confirmed by officials on Saturday. Kristin Smart was last seen in May 1996 while attending California Polytechnic State University.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office reported finishing a thorough search of the property owned by Susan Flores, the mother of Paul Flores, who was convicted in October 2022 for Smart's murder. Despite the conviction, Kristin's body has never been discovered. The investigation into the case has gained renewed attention recently, leading to the search at Flores's property in Arroyo Grande, a town situated over 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
This week, authorities indicated that there was evidence to suggest the presence of human remains at the site. Experts in human decomposition and soil analysis were brought in to take samples from the grounds as part of the ongoing investigation. The Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to finding Kristin and bringing closure to her family through a statement. It has tasked its resources with ongoing efforts to investigate new leads in the decades-old mystery.
Smart, who disappeared at the age of 19, was declared legally dead in 2002. Prosecutors have asserted that she was murdered during an attempted sexual assault, and the last known individual to be with her was Paul Flores, also a student at the university at the time of her disappearance. Following an extensive investigation and a trial, Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for Smart's murder.
The case has captivated public interest for years, with renewed attention partly due to a podcast that highlighted the investigation, "Your Own Backyard," hosted by Chris Lambert. This podcast has played a role in encouraging witnesses to come forward, further supporting the investigation into Smart's disappearance. The latest search has been closely monitored by the public and media, given the long-standing mystery surrounding Kristin Smart and her untimely fate.
Despite the disappointment of not discovering any remains, authorities remain hopeful and dedicated to resolving this cold case as they continue to gather evidence and pursue leads in their search for Kristin Smart.
