A Brief, Heartbreaking Disappearance
Tragic Case of Kristin Smart, In May 1996, 19-year-old freshman Kristin Denise Smart vanished while walking back to her Cal Poly dorm after a party. A peer named Paul Flores volunteered to accompany her—and she was never seen again .
Slow Response Ignites Frustration
Initial campus police presumed she left on vacation. It took days before authorities got involved. Her parents were notified, but the delayed investigation fueled years of anger and grief .
A Case Reawakened by a Podcast
Tragic Case of Kristin SmarT,In 2019, podcaster Chris Lambert’s series “Your Own Backyard” revived public interest. The renewed attention generated new leads. Authorities eventually found forensic evidence under the Flores family’s property, setting the case back in motion .
Breakthrough: Arrests and Trial
In April 2021, investigators arrested Paul Flores for murder and his father, Ruben, for allegedly helping conceal Kristin’s body . The trial began in Monterey County months later, closing more than two decades of heartbreak .
Verdict and Sentencing
By October 2022, juries delivered split verdicts:
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Paul Flores was found guilty of first-degree murder.
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Ruben Flores was acquitted of accessory charges.
In March 2023, Paul received a sentence of 25 years to life, with parole eligibility only after 15 years.
Restitution Ordered
In addition to prison time, the court ordered Paul Flores to pay over $350,000 in restitution to the Smart family—covering costs like billboards, private investigations, travel, and lost wages .
University Apologies and Legal Action
Crucially, Cal Poly formally apologized for mishandling the investigation. The Smart family responded by filing a wrongful death lawsuit, accusing the university of negligence and emotional distress for not acting sooner or transparently.
A Legacy That Endures
Though Kristin’s remains remain undiscovered, her legacy lives on. The Kristin Smart Campus Security Act now requires California public colleges to coordinate with local law enforcement on missing-student cases . Meanwhile, her family established a scholarship in her memory, empowering young women in pursuit of their dreams