Kristin Smart: Authorities continue search for her remains – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: upload.wikimedia.org)
Arroyo Grande, California – Investigators returned this week to a residential property tied to the man convicted of killing Kristin Smart nearly three decades ago. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on May 6 at the home of Susan Flores, mother of Paul Flores, after scientific indicators pointed to possible human remains. Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly student, vanished in May 1996 after attending an off-campus party, and her body has never been recovered despite Paul Flores’ 2022 conviction for her murder.
Ground Scans and Sampling Begin
Deputies arrived at the East Branch Street address shortly after 7 a.m. on Wednesday and immediately began using ground-penetrating radar along with targeted soil sampling. The effort continued through Thursday, with crews focusing on the backyard, patio, and garage areas. Officials noted that similar technology had flagged volatile organic compounds at the site in prior examinations, prompting the fresh warrant. The Sheriff’s Office stated it remains committed to returning Smart to her family and offered no additional details while the work proceeds.
Case Background and Prior Conviction
Kristin Smart disappeared from the California Polytechnic State University campus on the Central Coast in 1996. Prosecutors later established that Paul Flores killed her during an attempted sexual assault in his dormitory room. A jury convicted him in 2022, resulting in a sentence of 25 years to life. His mother’s property has drawn repeated scrutiny because investigators believe it may hold key evidence about the disposal of Smart’s remains. The current operation marks the latest in a series of targeted searches conducted since the conviction.
Commitment to Resolution
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow emphasized the office’s determination to locate the remains. “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. The search is expected to extend into Friday, with results from the radar scans and samples still pending analysis. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward as the investigation moves ahead.
