Paul Flores loses final appeal, cementing his conviction for killing Kristin Smart
Paul Flores’ will forever be held responsible for the 1996 murder of Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart.
On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court denied Flores’ second appeal to overturn or reduce his conviction — his last opportunity to do so.
Flores, 49, was convicted of Smart’s murder in October 2022 following a three-month trial. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.
He first attempted to overturn or reduce his conviction by filing with the California Court of Appeal, which upheld Flores’ conviction in a decision published Oct. 24.
The court denied him a new hearing in his appellate case on Nov. 21.
Now, after his failed attempt to appeal to the state Supreme Court, his conviction is final.
“While we are very pleased that this decision brings a stronger sense of finality for all involved, we will always remember Kristin Smart and will continue to do all we can to honor the memory of her vibrant life,” District Attorney Dan Dow said in a news release Friday. “Our hearts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Smart and their entire family for all that they have endured for the last 30 years.”
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 5:28 PM.
