‘We are still waiting for justice.’ Car cruise honors missing woman Kristin Smart
A group of supporters gathered Monday to remember Kristin Smart, the Cal Poly student who went missing 24 years ago, and her family.
A line of vehicles met at Arroyo Grande and then formed a caravan to drive to Shell Beach to honor Smart, who was last seen on May 25, 1996.
“This is just a big group of supporters that want to show their support to the Smart family and show that we are still waiting for justice for Kristin and just spread the word because there are a lot of visitors in town right now,” said Lauren Giesmann, an event organizer.
The caravan included a large pickup truck with decals featuring Smart’s photo and the number for the Crimestoppers tipline.
Supporters started in the Village of Arroyo Grande, where attorney James Murphy posted a new sign offering a $75,000 award for anyone who can provide information that leads to solving the case.
The sign also notes the address for the ”Your Own Backyard” podcast that has sparked renewed interest in the case.
Central Coast resident Chris Lambert created the free podcast series.
In February, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office served search warrants in connection with Smart’s disappearance at four locations in California and Washington, including one at the San Pedro home of Paul Flores, the last person seen with Smart after she attended a party.
An additional search warrant was served at Flores’ home in April.
Flores has been questioned in connection to the case, but never arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Giesmann said that car cruises to remember Smart have taken place in past years, but not recently.
“Hopefully, we can keep it going,” Giesmann said.
Anyone with information about Smart’s disappearance can call Crimestoppers at 805-549-7867 or the Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4500.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 2:42 PM.
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