In the Kristin Smart case, key questions remain after 3 decades
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Authorities recently concluded a new search at the home of Susan Flores, mother of Paul Flores—the man convicted of Kristin Smart’s 1996 murder—but did not recover Smart’s remains despite soil testing indicating possible human decomposition.
- Advances in soil science and ground-penetrating radar technology prompted the latest search, with investigators analyzing soil samples for human DNA and decomposition compounds, although the search area was complicated by cluttered conditions.
- Paul Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022, while his father Ruben Flores was acquitted of charges related to aiding in hiding Smart’s body; Susan Flores remains a person of interest but has not been charged.
- The Smart family continues to seek closure and the recovery of Kristin’s remains, expressing frustration that Paul Flores obstructs their efforts to lay their daughter to rest and find justice.
- Investigators have not ruled out further searches or new investigative directions, with some evidence still under evaluation and the search warrant details sealed from the public.
