Local

Kristin Smart: The story in photos over 26 years

By David Middlecamp and Kaytlyn Leslie

Cal Poly student Kristin Smart went missing Memorial Day weekend in 1996. Now, 26 years later, the last person to see her alive has been found guilty of her murder.

Paul Flores, 45, was convicted of first-degree murder on Tuesday and is expected to be sentenced for the crime in December. He is facing a potential life sentence.

His father, 81-year-old Ruben Flores, was found not guilty of charges of accessory to murder after the fact; Ruben Flores had been accused of helping his son hide Smart’s body.

Now that the decades-long case has reached a guilty verdict, The Tribune has compiled a look back at it the important moments over the 26 years since Smart was last seen.

The disappearance

Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman from Stockton, disappeared early on the Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend in 1996, after leaving a house party just off campus. 
Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman from Stockton, disappeared early on the Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend in 1996, after leaving a house party just off campus. 
Kristin Smart was last seen at the corner of Perimeter Road and Grand Ave. near here. In the background is Santa Lucia Hall, former dorm of Paul Flores May, 19, 1997.
Kristin Smart was last seen at the corner of Perimeter Road and Grand Ave. near here. In the background is Santa Lucia Hall, former dorm of Paul Flores May, 19, 1997. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Cal Poly student Gerald Stokes combs Poly Canyon in search of Kristin Smart. Volunteers spent many weekends searching the county for the missing student. Photo from May 30, 1996.
Cal Poly student Gerald Stokes combs Poly Canyon in search of Kristin Smart. Volunteers spent many weekends searching the county for the missing student. Photo from May 30, 1996. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
400 volunteers scour Cal Poly for some sign of Kristin Smart’s body on June 30, 1996.
400 volunteers scour Cal Poly for some sign of Kristin Smart’s body on June 30, 1996. Jim Weber
On May 27, 1996, Paul Flores turned himself into the Arroyo Grande Police Department for an outstanding warrant in a DUI case two days after Cal Poly student Kristin Smart disappeared, court documents show. The mug shot appears to show Flores with a black eye. 
On May 27, 1996, Paul Flores turned himself into the Arroyo Grande Police Department for an outstanding warrant in a DUI case two days after Cal Poly student Kristin Smart disappeared, court documents show. The mug shot appears to show Flores with a black eye. 
Paul Flores, seated, waits to testify before the county grand jury about Kristin Smart’s disappearance. Flores was the last person seen with Smart. A missing person’s poster hangs on the wall of the courthouse Oct. 17, 1996.
Paul Flores, seated, waits to testify before the county grand jury about Kristin Smart’s disappearance. Flores was the last person seen with Smart. A missing person’s poster hangs on the wall of the courthouse Oct. 17, 1996. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Paul Flores testified before the county grand jury about Kristin Smart’s disappearance on Oct. 17, 1996.
Paul Flores testified before the county grand jury about Kristin Smart’s disappearance on Oct. 17, 1996. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
A fund-raiser to help with Denise and Stan Smarts’ legal bills draws 200 in Arroyo Grande on April 13, 1997.
A fund-raiser to help with Denise and Stan Smarts’ legal bills draws 200 in Arroyo Grande on April 13, 1997. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
A Kristin Smart billboard on Highway 101 near the Madonna Road exit on April 16, 2009. For years billboards like this one and another in the Village of Arroyo Grande would keep the Smart case alive.
A Kristin Smart billboard on Highway 101 near the Madonna Road exit on April 16, 2009. For years billboards like this one and another in the Village of Arroyo Grande would keep the Smart case alive. Joe Johnston jjohnston@thetribunenews.com

Investigation, arrests made

In September 2016, the FBI and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department begin a dig and investigation above Cal Poly related to the disappearance of Smart.
In September 2016, the FBI and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department begin a dig and investigation above Cal Poly related to the disappearance of Smart. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Yellow tape cordons off the area where San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and FBI personnel are digging on the fourth day of a search for clues in September 2016. The search is focused on a campus hillside.
Yellow tape cordons off the area where San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and FBI personnel are digging on the fourth day of a search for clues in September 2016. The search is focused on a campus hillside. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
FBI and San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s department investigators at the Flores house on East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande on Feb. 4, 2020. The sidewalk in front was taped off as they moved about the grounds. At left is Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Keith Scott, head of the detective bureau.
FBI and San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s department investigators at the Flores house on East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande on Feb. 4, 2020. The sidewalk in front was taped off as they moved about the grounds. At left is Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Keith Scott, head of the detective bureau. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Rocks Susan Flores says were thrown outside her house, according to unsealed court documents.
Rocks Susan Flores says were thrown outside her house, according to unsealed court documents. Monterey County Superior Court
Dogs trained to alert at the scent of human remains were brought in to search during the FBI raid in February 2020. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was searching the Arroyo Grande home of Ruben Flores under a warrant.
Dogs trained to alert at the scent of human remains were brought in to search during the FBI raid in February 2020. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was searching the Arroyo Grande home of Ruben Flores under a warrant. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Deputies prepare to have a car towed for evidence under a warrant on March 15, 2021.
Deputies prepare to have a car towed for evidence under a warrant on March 15, 2021. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Sheriff Ian Parkinson, center in dark glasses talks to investigators during the search of Ruben Flores' home in March 2021.
Sheriff Ian Parkinson, center in dark glasses talks to investigators during the search of Ruben Flores' home in March 2021. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Spectators gathered and made videos of the investigation scene during a search of Ruben Flores house on April 13, 2021.
Spectators gathered and made videos of the investigation scene during a search of Ruben Flores house on April 13, 2021. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Ruben Flores was arrested on April 13, 2021. Here he is pictured in a law enforcement vehicle.
Ruben Flores was arrested on April 13, 2021. Here he is pictured in a law enforcement vehicle. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff D
Paul Flores is arrested in San Pedro on April 13, 2021.
Paul Flores is arrested in San Pedro on April 13, 2021. Courtesy of San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Department
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson announced the arrest of Paul and Ruben Flores on April 13, 2021.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson announced the arrest of Paul and Ruben Flores on April 13, 2021. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong speaks during announcement of Paul and Ruben Flores arrests on April 13, 2021. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson stands in background and interpreter Robin Babb is at right. Photo of Paul Flores being arrested is at right.
Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong speaks during announcement of Paul and Ruben Flores arrests on April 13, 2021. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson stands in background and interpreter Robin Babb is at right. Photo of Paul Flores being arrested is at right. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow announces murder charge filed against Paul Flores in the Kristin Smart case on March 14, 2021. Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle is at left.
San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow announces murder charge filed against Paul Flores in the Kristin Smart case on March 14, 2021. Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle is at left. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

Legal proceedings, trial

Paul Flores, upper left appears at his arraignment via Zoom in April 2021. He was taken into custody in San Pedro and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of the murder of Kristin Smart. At upper right is Judge Craig van Rooyen. Lower photo is Harold Mesick, the attorney who would later represent Ruben Flores.
Paul Flores, upper left appears at his arraignment via Zoom in April 2021. He was taken into custody in San Pedro and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of the murder of Kristin Smart. At upper right is Judge Craig van Rooyen. Lower photo is Harold Mesick, the attorney who would later represent Ruben Flores. Courtesy of San Luis Obispo County Court
Paul Flores appears in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Aug. 2, 2021, during the first day of his preliminary hearing.
Paul Flores appears in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Aug. 2, 2021, during the first day of his preliminary hearing. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Judge Craig van Rooyen announced in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on April 20, 2022, that the Kristin Smart murder trial for Paul and Ruben Flores would be moved to Monterey County.
Judge Craig van Rooyen announced in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on April 20, 2022, that the Kristin Smart murder trial for Paul and Ruben Flores would be moved to Monterey County. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Murder defendant Paul Flores appears in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on July 18, 2022, for the start of the trial.
Murder defendant Paul Flores appears in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on July 18, 2022, for the start of the trial. Daniel Dreyfuss
Denise Smart testifies on Day 2 of the trial against Paul and Ruben Flores for the murder of her daughter on July 21, 2022.
Denise Smart testifies on Day 2 of the trial against Paul and Ruben Flores for the murder of her daughter on July 21, 2022. Bill Roden New Dawn Studios
Stan Smart, Kristin Smart’s father, testifies in Monterey County Superior Court on July 22, 2022, during the trial of Paul and Ruben Flores.
Stan Smart, Kristin Smart’s father, testifies in Monterey County Superior Court on July 22, 2022, during the trial of Paul and Ruben Flores. Stefani Barber NBC News
Paul Flores takes a sip of water during the trial against him for the 1996 murder of Kristin Smart in the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on Aug. 16, 2022.
Paul Flores takes a sip of water during the trial against him for the 1996 murder of Kristin Smart in the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on Aug. 16, 2022. Brittany Tom NBC News Dateline
Ruben Flores inside the courtroom during the trial on Aug. 25, 2022.
Ruben Flores inside the courtroom during the trial on Aug. 25, 2022. Brittany Tom NBC News Dateline
Jennifer Hudson continues her testimony Sept. 12, 2022, in the Kristin Smart murder trial. She said Paul Flores admitted to killing Smart. She started to cry when SLO County Deputy District attorney Christopher Peuvrelle asked, “You mentioned that you feel responsible for the misery of the Smart family?”
Jennifer Hudson continues her testimony Sept. 12, 2022, in the Kristin Smart murder trial. She said Paul Flores admitted to killing Smart. She started to cry when SLO County Deputy District attorney Christopher Peuvrelle asked, “You mentioned that you feel responsible for the misery of the Smart family?” Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Judge Jennifer O’Keefe listens as Paul Flores’ defense attorney Robert Sanger talks during the Kristin Smart murder trial on Sept. 22, 2022, at the Monterey County Courthouse in Salinas.
Judge Jennifer O’Keefe listens as Paul Flores’ defense attorney Robert Sanger talks during the Kristin Smart murder trial on Sept. 22, 2022, at the Monterey County Courthouse in Salinas. Nik Blaskovich
From left to right, Paul Flores, his father, Ruben Flores, Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer O’Keefe and Ruben Flores’ defense attorney, Harold Mesick, appear in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on Sept 26, 2022.
From left to right, Paul Flores, his father, Ruben Flores, Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer O’Keefe and Ruben Flores’ defense attorney, Harold Mesick, appear in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas on Sept 26, 2022. Evan Vega KEYT
Chris Lambert, creator of the “Your Own Backyard” podcast on the Kristin Smart case, observed the trial of Paul and Ruben Flores at the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas. Photo from October 2022.
Chris Lambert, creator of the “Your Own Backyard” podcast on the Kristin Smart case, observed the trial of Paul and Ruben Flores at the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas. Photo from October 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle finishes closing arguments on Oct. 3, 2022, saying Paul Flores is "guilty as sin."
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle finishes closing arguments on Oct. 3, 2022, saying Paul Flores is "guilty as sin." Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Robert Sanger, Paul Flores’ defense attorney concludes closing arguments for the Kristin Smart murder trial Oct. 4, 2022.
Robert Sanger, Paul Flores’ defense attorney concludes closing arguments for the Kristin Smart murder trial Oct. 4, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Harold Mesick, Ruben Flores’ defense attorney gestures toward his client as he conducts his closing arguments on Oct. 5, 2022.
Harold Mesick, Ruben Flores’ defense attorney gestures toward his client as he conducts his closing arguments on Oct. 5, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Paul Flores listens as closing arguments end in the Kristin Smart murder trial on Oct. 4, 2022.
Paul Flores listens as closing arguments end in the Kristin Smart murder trial on Oct. 4, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Purple ribbons are attached to posts and signs in the Arroyo Grande Village in honor of Kristin Smart and ahead of the verdicts in the Paul Flores murder trial.
Purple ribbons are attached to posts and signs in the Arroyo Grande Village in honor of Kristin Smart and ahead of the verdicts in the Paul Flores murder trial. Joan Lynch jlynch@thetribunenews.com
Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer J. O’Keefe hands the verdict envelope to the courtroom clerk for safe keeping on Oct. 17, 2022 until the jury in the Paul Flores case reaches a verdict.
Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer J. O’Keefe hands the verdict envelope to the courtroom clerk for safe keeping on Oct. 17, 2022 until the jury in the Paul Flores case reaches a verdict. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
The court clerk reads the verdict after a jury found Paul Flores guilty of murdering Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The jury’s verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022.
The court clerk reads the verdict after a jury found Paul Flores guilty of murdering Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The jury’s verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Paul Flores listens as the verdict is read finding him guilty of murdering Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022.
Paul Flores listens as the verdict is read finding him guilty of murdering Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Paul Flores leaves the courtroom after a jury found him guilty of murdering Kristin Smart on Oct. 18, 2022.
Paul Flores leaves the courtroom after a jury found him guilty of murdering Kristin Smart on Oct. 18, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Defense attorney Harold Mesick, left, puts his hand on the shoulder of his client, Ruben Flores, after the jury acquitted Ruben Flores of charges of accessory to murder after the fact. The jury’s verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022.
Defense attorney Harold Mesick, left, puts his hand on the shoulder of his client, Ruben Flores, after the jury acquitted Ruben Flores of charges of accessory to murder after the fact. The jury’s verdict was read in Monterey County Superior Court on Oct. 18, 2022. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com

Aftermath of verdicts

Ruben Flores, Paul Flores’ father, and his attorney Harold Mesick talk to the media after Ruben Flores was found not guilty on Oct. 18, 2022.
Ruben Flores, Paul Flores’ father, and his attorney Harold Mesick talk to the media after Ruben Flores was found not guilty on Oct. 18, 2022. Chloe Jones cjones@thetribunenews.com
Ruben Flores’ electronic monitoring device is removed from his ankle outside the Monterey County Courthouse in Salinas.
Ruben Flores’ electronic monitoring device is removed from his ankle outside the Monterey County Courthouse in Salinas. Chloe Jones cjones@thetribunenews.com
A memorial to Cal Poly student Kristin Smart is seen on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo after Paul Flores is found guilty of her murder on Oct. 18, 2022.
A memorial to Cal Poly student Kristin Smart is seen on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo after Paul Flores is found guilty of her murder on Oct. 18, 2022. Mackenzie Shuman mshuman@thetribunenews.com
James Murphy, the Smart family’s attorney in the civil case against Paul and Ruben Flores, reacts to news of the guilty verdict from his Arroyo Grande office on Oct. 18, 2022.
James Murphy, the Smart family’s attorney in the civil case against Paul and Ruben Flores, reacts to news of the guilty verdict from his Arroyo Grande office on Oct. 18, 2022. John Lynch jlynch@thetribunenews.com
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow speaks at a press conference following the announcement of the verdicts on Oct. 18, 2022. With him from left, Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth, SLO County Sheriff’s Office Det. Clint Cole, SLO County D.A.’s Investigator J.T. Kamp, Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle and SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson.
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow speaks at a press conference following the announcement of the verdicts on Oct. 18, 2022. With him from left, Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth, SLO County Sheriff’s Office Det. Clint Cole, SLO County D.A.’s Investigator J.T. Kamp, Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle and SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Stan Smart speaks at a press conference following the verdicts being read at the Monterey County District Attorney’s office. With him are his son Matt Smart and daughter Lindsey Smart.
Stan Smart speaks at a press conference following the verdicts being read at the Monterey County District Attorney’s office. With him are his son Matt Smart and daughter Lindsey Smart. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
Chris Lambert sits in front of a poster of Kristin Smart with family members nearby at the press conference following the reading of the verdicts.
Chris Lambert sits in front of a poster of Kristin Smart with family members nearby at the press conference following the reading of the verdicts. Laura Dickinson ldickinson@thetribunenews.com
People gathered at a memorial for Kristin Smart in Shell Beach following the announcement of the verdict. Therese Cron, center, is a member of the “Jam Fam,” a musical group that plays at Smart’s memorial.
People gathered at a memorial for Kristin Smart in Shell Beach following the announcement of the verdict. Therese Cron, center, is a member of the “Jam Fam,” a musical group that plays at Smart’s memorial. Joan Lynch jlynch@thetribunenews.com
People lit candles and left small gifts at a memorial for Kristin Smart in Shell Beach following the announcement that Paul Flores had been convicted of her murder on Oct. 18, 2022.
People lit candles and left small gifts at a memorial for Kristin Smart in Shell Beach following the announcement that Paul Flores had been convicted of her murder on Oct. 18, 2022. John Lynch jlynch@thetribunenews.com

Follow More of Our Reporting on Full Coverage of the Kristin Smart Case

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David Middlecamp
The Tribune
805-781-7942
David Middlecamp is a photojournalist and third-generation Cal Poly graduate who has covered the Central Coast region since the 1980s. A career that began developing and printing black-and-white film now includes an FAA-certified drone pilot license. He also writes the history column “Photos from the Vault.”
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