Days after authorities began searching a home in connection with the 1996 murder of college student and Stockton native Kristin Smart, officials said her remains have yet to be found.Paul Flores, who was a student alongside Smart at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has been convicted of her murder. But San Luis Obispo Sheriff Ian Parkinson said during a Friday news conference that they have not stopped searching.On Wednesday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office searched an Arroyo Grande home that belongs to Paul’s mother, Susan Flores.Parkinson said that when investigators first searched Susan’s home in 1996, they used a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). But he explained that GPRs 30 years ago were not as advanced as they are now, including the one they’re using now to search Susan’s home.Soil tests are also being conducted to search for any compounds in the soil that are related to a human’s decomposing body, Parkinson said.”We are not leaving that house until we’re sure we checked everything,” Parksinson said.The sheriff said he does not know how long they are going to be searching the home, but that the type of warrant they obtained prevents occupants from returning to the home. Parkinson stated that evidence suggests human remains were at one point on Susan’s property. However, he said it is not known if they were Smart’s.When asked if Susan is a person of interest or is allowed to leave the state as part of the search warrant, Parkinson said Susan is currently a person of interest “as always has been.” However, he said they have no lawful reason to detain her at this point.On Friday, the Smart family sent the following statement below:“We remain hopeful that this current search will be successful and look forward to the outcome. Our family greatly appreciates the efforts, dedication, and commitment of Sheriff Ian Parkinson, Detective Clint Cole, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department, and the technical experts assisting with the execution of this search. Finally, we continue to feel the tremendous support of the local community and all the people far beyond the Central Coast who provide us with great strength to continue this journey to bring Kristin home.”Similar to what prosecutors tried with Paul’s father, Ruben, Parkinson said Susan can be prosecuted as an accessory if they can make that connection.Smart disappeared over Memorial Day Weekend in 1996. Prosecutors argued that Paul Flores killed Smart during an attempted rape in his dorm room. He was the last person seen with her as he walked her home from an off-campus party.In March 2023, Paul Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He has maintained his innocence.Ruben was found not guilty of being an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping to conceal the crime. Prosecutors argued that Smart’s remains were buried on Ruben Flores’ property and later moved.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. —
Days after authorities began searching a home in connection with the 1996 murder of college student and Stockton native Kristin Smart, officials said her remains have yet to be found.
Paul Flores, who was a student alongside Smart at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, has been convicted of her murder. But San Luis Obispo Sheriff Ian Parkinson said during a Friday news conference that they have not stopped searching.
On Wednesday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office searched an Arroyo Grande home that belongs to Paul’s mother, Susan Flores.
Parkinson said that when investigators first searched Susan’s home in 1996, they used a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). But he explained that GPRs 30 years ago were not as advanced as they are now, including the one they’re using now to search Susan’s home.
Soil tests are also being conducted to search for any compounds in the soil that are related to a human’s decomposing body, Parkinson said.
“We are not leaving that house until we’re sure we checked everything,” Parksinson said.
The sheriff said he does not know how long they are going to be searching the home, but that the type of warrant they obtained prevents occupants from returning to the home.
Parkinson stated that evidence suggests human remains were at one point on Susan’s property. However, he said it is not known if they were Smart’s.
When asked if Susan is a person of interest or is allowed to leave the state as part of the search warrant, Parkinson said Susan is currently a person of interest “as always has been.” However, he said they have no lawful reason to detain her at this point.
On Friday, the Smart family sent the following statement below:
“We remain hopeful that this current search will be successful and look forward to the outcome. Our family greatly appreciates the efforts, dedication, and commitment of Sheriff Ian Parkinson, Detective Clint Cole, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department, and the technical experts assisting with the execution of this search. Finally, we continue to feel the tremendous support of the local community and all the people far beyond the Central Coast who provide us with great strength to continue this journey to bring Kristin home.”
Similar to what prosecutors tried with Paul’s father, Ruben, Parkinson said Susan can be prosecuted as an accessory if they can make that connection.
Smart disappeared over Memorial Day Weekend in 1996.
Prosecutors argued that Paul Flores killed Smart during an attempted rape in his dorm room. He was the last person seen with her as he walked her home from an off-campus party.
In March 2023, Paul Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He has maintained his innocence.
Ruben was found not guilty of being an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping to conceal the crime.
Prosecutors argued that Smart’s remains were buried on Ruben Flores’ property and later moved.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel