Search Continues for Kristin Smart’s Remains Near Her Linked Home, Officials Report

Authorities Conduct Search Related to Kristin Smart Case

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office reported over the weekend that no remains of Kristin Smart were recovered after a search of a home connected to her convicted killer, Paul Flores. Smart, a 19-year-old college student, went missing in 1996.

The search warrant was executed on Wednesday at the residence of Susan Flores, Paul Flores’s mother, as investigators explored new leads in the decades-old case. Though specific details prompting the search have not been disclosed, scientists with expertise in human decomposition and soil analysis collected samples from the property.

Sheriff Ian Parkinson addressed the matter during a press conference, stating, “We believe that based on what we’re looking at evidence-wise — scientific-wise — that a human’s remains were there at one time — or still there. We can’t call it Kristin, but there’s evidence to support human remains.” He assured the public that the search for Smart’s remains would continue.

Following the search at the Arroyo Grande home, located south of San Luis Obispo, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation would proceed with the evaluation of the evidence gathered. In a statement issued on Saturday, the department reiterated its commitment to finding Smart and reuniting her with her family.

Despite Paul Flores’s conviction in 2022 for Smart’s murder, questions surrounding her disappearance persist. Sheriff Parkinson noted, “It wasn’t a finality for us. The reality was Kristin was still missing. I vowed to (Smart’s family) again that we would not give up the search for Kristin’s remains.” He also remarked on advancements in technology since a ground-penetrating radar search conducted in 1996, indicating that current methods may yield different results.

Investigators executed a "kick out warrant," which required occupants to vacate the premises during the search. “We are not leaving that house until we are sure we have checked everything,” Parkinson emphasized.

Paul Flores was unanimously found guilty of first-degree murder and may face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. Tim Nelligan, a soil vapor testing expert, joined the investigation to analyze samples taken from the properties of both Flores and a neighboring residence, although he did not disclose specifics about the ongoing case.

Kristin Smart vanished in May 1996 from California Polytechnic State University after attending an off-campus party. Prosecutors contend she was murdered during an attempted rape by Paul Flores, the last person seen with her. She was declared legally dead in 2002.

The case has remained in the public eye, particularly with the involvement of podcaster Chris Lambert, who has contributed additional witness testimony. Lambert shared insights about the search, expressing hope that investigators might uncover Smart’s remains, stating, “This property in particular has been overlooked for quite some time."

Attempts to reach Susan Flores for comment were unsuccessful. She has not faced any criminal charges in connection to the case.

Following Paul Flores’s arrest in 2021, his father, Ruben Flores, was also apprehended, with prosecutors alleging that Smart’s remains were initially buried on his property. Ruben was later acquitted of accessory charges.

In March 2023, Paul Flores was sentenced to prison, where he has reportedly faced physical attacks. A judge ruled in 2024 that he must pay over $350,000 to Smart’s family for costs incurred after her disappearance. The family has indicated they would waive the restitution if Flores revealed the location of Kristin’s body. However, his attorney stated that the defense does not know where her remains are, and Flores continues to maintain his innocence.

Contributions to this report were made by NBCLA’s Jonathan Lloyd and Danielle Smith.