Kristin Smart podcaster subpoenaed ahead of murder trial. Here’s what we know
The podcast host credited with renewing interest in Kristin Smart’s disappearance has been subpoenaed by lawyers for the men accused of killing the Cal Poly student and hiding her body.
Chris Lambert, whose ”Your Own Backyard” podcast explores the Smart case, posted on social media that he was served a subpoena by attorneys for Paul and Ruben Flores on July 10.
It’s the second time Lambert has been subpoenaed in the case.
Lambert confirmed the subpoena’s existence to The Tribune on July 10. But after consulting with his lawyers, he said he cannot share the contents of the subpoena or its hearing date because of the gag order that has been placed on the case.
According to his social media post, Lambert is required to attend a hearing in Monterey County Superior Court and bring “items” that are attached to the subpoena.
Paul Flores, 45, is accused of murdering 19-year-old Smart after an off-campus party in May 1996, while his father, 81-year-old Ruben Flores, is accused of helping hide her body. The two men were arrested in April 2021.
Law enforcement officials and the Smart family have credited Lambert’s true-crime podcast with renewing interest in the case and generating new leads and information, including several new witnesses.
The podcast has played a large part in the defense’s arguments. Robert Sanger, who’s representing Paul Flores, called the podcast “factually inaccurate” and “designed to convict Paul Flores.”
Lambert was previously served a subpoena to testify and provide his documents and records during an August preliminary hearing in San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Craig van Rooyen ruled earlier that compelling Lambert to testify and release his records would have a “chilling effect” on reporters’ abilities to communicate freely with sources and quashed the subpoena.
The trial against the Flores men was moved to Salinas after van Rooyen ruled that they would likely not receive a fair trial in San Luis Obispo County because of pretrial publicity.
Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer O’Keefe will be presiding on the case, and it is unclear if and when she will hear arguments regarding the subpoena.
Opening arguments in the case are currently scheduled to begin July 18. It is unclear if the hearings about Lambert’s subpoena will push back that date.
This story was originally published July 12, 2022 at 12:14 PM.
