Paul Flores’ jury not deliberating today. Did it reach a verdict in Kristin Smart trial?
>> >> Update to this story: Jury deciding whether Paul Flores murdered Kristin Smart back in deliberations
Paul Flores jury is not deliberating Friday, according to the court schedule, but it’s unclear whether it’s reached a verdict.
The jury is tasked with deciding whether Flores killed Kristin Smart after an off-campus party in 1996. Jurors heard three months of evidence and began deliberations at the end of the day on Oct. 4.
A separate jury is currently deliberating whether his father, Ruben Flores, helped conceal the crime.
Ruben Flores’ jury swore in an alternate juror toward the end of Thursday’s court day after a member was excused for talking to his priest about the case.
The court has not confirmed whether Paul Flores’ jury has decided on a verdict or is simply taking a break.
The Tribune reached out to Monterey County Superior Court officials for more details, but the court said it cannot confirm any reason for the scheduling, adding only that Paul Flores’ jury is scheduled to return Monday.
Verdicts will not be read until both Paul and Ruben Flores’ juries come to a unanimous decision.
They will be read back to back, and once they are read, jurors will be released from their oaths and allowed to see coverage of the case, speak about it with friends and family, and make public statements.
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This story was originally published October 14, 2022 at 9:50 AM.
