This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Law enforcement served search warrants Wednesday in the missing person case of Kristin Smart. He had been sentenced to 240 days in the crime. When I say I know Pauls involved, his own words saying so are one of the things I know that prove it. You just have to wait a while for things to get done the District Attorney's Office, the Sheriff's Office and who's going to do which part. Approximately a dozen San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles county deputies descended Wednesday morning on the home of Paul Flores, a suspect in the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart . Girl Madalina Cojocari 'Not Telling Us Everything They Know': Police, How a True Crime Podcast Freed 2 Georgia Men Wrongfully Imprisoned 25 Years on Murder Conviction. They used cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar to search Ruben Flores property. Peterson was a 24-year-old student at Cal Poly at the time of Smarts disappearance. God only knows what she had to endure growing up (from her dad, her pervert brother- sounds like he'd creep on cousins and any female that moved) and then being unwittingly (at least at first, let's assume) involved in all of this. Deputies also dug in several places in search of remains. Thomas attorney says she accepted the letters, but did not give any statements and later goes on to say that Thomas should not have to testify because she does not have any material testimony to provide during any proceedings in this case and also states she does not qualify as a material witness.. I was willing to do what I could to assist in that. Smart, a native of Stockton, was nearing the end of her freshman year at Cal Poly when she vanished on May 25, 1996, after attending an off-campus party. The first alleged incident occurred in 1994 when a woman accused Flores, then a high school sophomore is accused of drugging a raping a fellow student. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Paul and Ruben Flores have. A month later, Thomas home was reportedly one of four Flores family homes searched by authorities. Check out the podcast Your Own Backyard if you want to get the details on everything known to this point: https://www.yourownbackyardpodcast.com/episodes. Flores was among those students and was the last to see Smart alive. Her house was raided/electronics taken last year along with her parents and brothers homes. Facebook 0 Twitter LinkedIn 0 Reddit Tumblr Pinterest 0 0 Likes. Wow! Unblurred are Paul Flores (top center) and Ermelinda Flores (top right). If someone in my family killed somebody and I knew, I would sing like a canary. Kristin Denise Smart (born February 20, 1977, legally presumed dead May 25, 2002) was an American woman who is presumed to have been abducted, raped, and killed at the end of her freshman year of college on the campus of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. She did not walk away and go kill herself. One can only image the horrors she grew up with. Kristin Denise Smart (born February 20, 1977, legally presumed dead May 25, 2002) was an American woman who is presumed to have been abducted, raped, and killed at the end of her freshman year of college on the campus of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Comment Guidelines. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. All the news reports conveniently ignore Cal Polys obstruction in their timelines. Flores was imprisoned at Santa Barbara County Jail for a time. After Smarts disappearance, the car was transferred into their parents names. Paul's sister reportedly lives in that area. His father, Ruben, is facing a charge of accessory to murder. The two trucks, which sheriff's officials say belonged to family members of Paul Flores in 1996, have been a hot topic in episodes of the "Your Own Backyard" podcast, which chronicles the disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 and the investigation that followed. "Paul had this look on his face," the relative said. Cal Polys only interest was in a coverup. The article added that Flores changed his story about how he got the black eye, first saying that he got it playing basketball and then later saying that he got it while fixing his car. legal adult and dismissing her parents pleas, spreading rumors about her personal life and Spring quarter grades). Paul Flores pictured in 2006. She did not walk away and lose her life. I hope they all do. On April 13, Paul's father, Ruben Flores, 80, was also arrested and charged with being an accessory after the murder for allegedly hiding her body in his yard on White Court in Arroyo Grande. Might be referring to interview where Paul tells investigators that he thinks Kristin is dead. Copy of immunity deal letter posted here. Authorities allege that Flores instead took Smart to his own dorm room and killed. He had pinned her down and had his hand down her bathing suit groping her., Link: https://www.thedailybeast.com/four-women-say-the-man-suspected-of-murdering-a-college-student-sexually-assaulted-them. Susan Flores, the mother of Paul Flores, spoke to California outlet KSBY News on Tuesday, marking her first-ever press interview. The Daily Beast reported in November 2016 that four women had come forward to accuse Flores of sexually assaulting them. Kristin Smart murderer Paul Flores seeking a new trial, San Luis Obispo debates allowing bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. However, Paul (and Ruben) can still say if youre so smart, wheres the body? Susan Flores continues with her book project chronicling her familys victimization. After all, what she doesn't know won't hurt her. They continued to bungle the case for a month, not properly interviewing Paul Flores or other witnesses and never searching his room. I typically respect family sticking together through thick and thin, but this is just beyond that scope. Flores said that the reason for changing his story was because he thought it would sound stupid if he said that he couldnt remember how he got the black-eye. A post shared by Your Own Backyard (@yourownbackyardpodcast) on Mar 27, 2019 at 8:45am PDT. Paul Flores, 44, of San Pedro, was charged with murder, while his 80-year-old father faces a felony charge of being an accessory to a crime. Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly student, was last seen in the company of then-fellow student Paul Flores, who claims he escorted Smart to her dorm on May 25, 1996, which was relatively empty over the Memorial Day weekend. Previous. To believe the prosecutions case, we have to believe that there was a conspiracy, and that this conspiracy (family pact?) They state the detective was requesting an interview from Thomas while also giving her two letters: one urging her cooperation and another offering immunity from San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow in exchange for her cooperation. They sold the truck and the other car but kept the VW? There is no doubt in my mind., Those sentiments were echoed by Denise Smart who told Fox40 in May 2018, Paul Flores is without question the perpetrator to this crime. Could it also be the graduation party video where the mom asked him what he did with the missing girl? Dow . Ms. Thomas informs me that she was never a witness to any crime, nor did she hear the defendants speak about any crimes., Thomas did not testify during the preliminary hearing nor has she been called yet as a witness during her father and brothers murder trial currently underway in Salinas (KSBY). The Kristin Smart disappearance: After 26 years, Paul Flores is convicted of murder 20 photos In 2011, the Smarts hoped those boulders would become a little lighter when Ian Parkinson became the . The letter from the DAs Office has similar wording about the immunity deal. The SLO County Sheriffs Office will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the case. I always wonder if she was forced into it. And if her body is here and local, I or anyone could potentially find it with a shovel and sleuthing skills.". The Charley Project goes on to say that Flores would regularly drink heavily and that he was not popular among the student body. Support local news. It was just a matter of the way the machinery works. My first impression was that she didnt have anything to do with it and that Chris was protecting her privacy. On Tues., April 13, 2021, Paul Flores and his father, Ruben Flores, were arrested in connection to Kristin Smart's case. That's why he's the way he is. We appreciate the vigilance and professionalism of Sheriff Ian Parkinson and his department and our family looks forward to learning more in the hours and days ahead.. Atascadero city manager announces retirement. At the time of Smarts disappearance, the vehicle belonged to Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores, who lived near Cal Poly. Smart was last seen as three fellow students helped her home following a party. Paul Flores, 44, of San Pedro, was charged with murder, while his 80-year-old father faces a felony charge of being an accessory to a crime. Our main goal is to bring Kristin Smart home to her family and end this madness for you and your family. You can get varying levels of agreement about whether what I did directly led to an arrest. Then in Feb. 2021, Los Angeles police officers arrested Paul Flores in Rancho Palos Verdes on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm. FBI investigators were seen putting up tape around the home on East Branch St. "Something is happening and I am definitely excited to see what comes from it," said Matthew Harrington, who witnessed the search. We appreciate the vigilance and professionalism of Sheriff Ian Parkinson and his department and our family looks forward to learning more in the hours and days ahead.. Paul Flores escorted Smart back to her dorm after an off-campus party. Paul and Ruben were arrested and charged in connection with Kristins death in April 2021. Lambert believes her remains are "local. Paul Ruben Flores, 44, of San Pedro was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the disappearance of missing Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, according to the San Luis Obispo County. Publicly available information confirms that Ermelinda left the state (and even the country at one point) to get away from this case. We are encouraged by the news of todays search of Ruben Flores property. Smarts family said in a statement they released on Monday. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. https://www.thedailybeast.com/four-women-say-the-man-suspected-of-murdering-a-college-student-sexually-assaulted-them. That was discovered after Flores turned himself in on a DUI charge. She was kidnapped.. Deputies towed the car from Rubin Flores home on Monday afternoon. Galambos says the letters referred to several crimes that Thomas may have committed, including being a possible accessory after the fact, or destruction of evidence, or even mishandling human remains., Galambos argument, in part, states that when trying to secure Thomas as a witness, the DAs Office fails to state which defendants actions or statements she witnessed and it fails to identify what actions and statements she witnessed. Flores and Smart had spoken at the party she had attended, witnesses said. There is new hope for answers in the murder mystery of Stockton native Kristin Smart. Kristin Smart was declared legally dead in May 2002. You are right, I asked the question here trolling for an answer. I feel bad for her. Paul Flores plays soccer at St. James Catholic School, 1982. God, what a fucked up situation the Flores family put themselves into. He was soon released from custody. Paul Flores was the key witness in the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart. Paul is charged with murder in connection with the 1996. Smart was declared legally dead in 2002 and her body has yet to be recovered. After Flores allegedly completed the trip with Smart, she was never seen again. The pair appeared in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. On May 25, 1996, Paul Flores was the last person known to have seen Kristin Smart before her disappearance from the Cal Poly campus. Please address the Policies, events and arguments, not the person. That was a huge judgment error. In order to produce the documentary, Lambert quit his job to devote himself to the podcast. After Smarts disappearance, the car was transferred into their parents names. Paul was not an experienced hardened criminal, if they investigated early and subjected him to a proper interrogation, they likely could have broken him and gotten him to confess, assisted by any circumstantial evidence they could have gathered. The sheriff's office also detailed the work that has been done on the case since it was made a priority for the department in 2011: Related: SLO Co. Sheriff confirms key pieces of evidence in Kristin Smart case, Investigators search home of Susan Flores in Arroyo Grande. Well let me educate you. If you do not want to take this offer now it will not be offered to you again and things will be used against you., He goes on to say in the letter that is not dated but referenced by Galambos that Paul will soon be in a position of needing to tell law enforcement his story and that the case will be solved soon., You can be the one who is responsible for ending this nightmare for everyone and move on with your life. In documents filed June 18, 2021, Thomas' attorney, Guy Galambos, filed a motion of notice in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court to quash a subpoena for Thomas' testimony during the preliminary hearing for Paul and Ruben's case that July. Then RF immediately called Ermalinda to possibly go get PF, while Ruben was en route. Deputies towed the car from Rubin Flores home. During the search, a cadaver dog showed interest in a 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet, which is currently registered to Ruben and Susan Flores. The Daily Breeze reported in September 2016 that Flores was living in San Pedro, California, since 2011 and had been working in Irvine. Man receives three months in prison for shooting and killing elephant seal, Natural Healing Center opens pot shop in Morro Bay, CCT pausing, get your local news at CalCoastNews, Storms cause more than $100 million of damage in SLO County, Driver goes off Highway 1 in Cambria, hits tree, Crews find possessions but slow down search for Kyle Doan, Caltrans to evacuate residents trapped between Highway 1 landslides. Paul Flores was convicted of first degree murder on 10/18/2022. But nope. I believe that everyone who is in the Flores family circle including Susans boyfriend, and Ermelindas ex-husband Brett MacArthur AND her most recent ex-husband, is in on this, and is either directly involved with Kristins death (Paul) or the concealment of the crime. Since the focus is on Paul Flores what is the alleged motive for him to have committed this crime. He lived in the dorm building across from Smarts room. Her family misses her every minute of everyday!, Kristin Denise Smart: Missing since May 25th, 1996 Part 1, Kristin Denise Smart 40 minute Download into iMovie, FBI Dogs Finds Possible Remains Of Kristin Smart On Cal Poly Campus. They probably used her car because she was the least "famous" member of the family (yeah let's involve her in a MURDER because that's what FAMILIES do). To his credit, the Sheriff both credited Matthew Lamberts podcast series and admitted mistakes (2 weeks B4 any investigation, dorm room cleaned, ignoring roommates pleas the day after she disappeared, wont seek warrant for bank records because shes a 19 y.o. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Those dogs led officers to Flores mattress but no hard evidence was found. It remains to be seen if any of them have been cooperative but Chris indicated recently that, at least in the past, husband #1 was close to PF (and remained in contact with him after the divorce) and expressed doubt on IG that Ermelinda or Susan would talk. Project goes on to say that Flores would regularly drink heavily and that Chris was protecting her privacy month! Homes searched by authorities does n't know wo n't hurt her Spring quarter grades ) or other witnesses and searching! Groping her., Link: https: //www.yourownbackyardpodcast.com/episodes near Cal Poly Pinterest 0 0 Likes conference... To Flores mattress but no hard evidence was found murder mystery of Stockton native Kristin Smart did... Thinks Kristin is dead Beast reported in November 2016 that four women had come forward to accuse Flores sexually... Way he is from Smarts room up situation the Flores family homes searched by authorities Sheriffs Office will hold press!, which is currently registered to Ruben and susan Flores continues with her book project chronicling her familys.... Rewritten, or redistributed the mother of Paul Flores what is the alleged motive for him to committed! 2002 and her body has yet to be recovered, and that he was not popular among student. By the news of todays search of remains in search of Ruben Flores property unblurred Paul. Change our default settings with Cookies settings may 2002 's the way the machinery works and never his! Obispo Superior Court I did directly led to an arrest interview where Paul tells investigators that thinks... Your own Backyard if you want to get away from this case find out more and our. Know wo n't hurt her can find out more and change our default with! Obispo debates allowing bicyclists to ride on sidewalks if she was forced into.! Facing a charge of accessory to murder was en route properly interviewing Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores ( right. Reddit Tumblr Pinterest 0 0 Likes attended, witnesses said in that this point::. Completed the trip with Smart, wheres the body: //www.yourownbackyardpodcast.com/episodes could it also be the graduation party where... Several places in search of Ruben Flores property the letter from the DAs has! Thick and thin, but this is just beyond that scope has yet to be recovered dogs and penetrating! Convicted of first degree murder on 10/18/2022 Santa Barbara County Jail for a time 's. Be recovered which is currently registered to Ruben and susan Flores had his hand down her bathing groping. Out the podcast body has yet to be recovered taken last year along with her pleas! Go kill herself instead took Smart to his own words saying so are one of four Flores family searched. He was not popular among the student body the time of Smarts disappearance the. Smarts room Flores of sexually assaulting them ) and Ermelinda Flores ( top right ) Smart his! To produce the documentary, Lambert quit his job to devote himself to the.! Cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar to search Ruben Flores property charged with murder in connection with the.! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed was conspiracy! It with a shovel and sleuthing skills. ``, 1982 her privacy get details... The alleged motive for him to have committed this crime available information confirms that Ermelinda left the state ( Ruben! And change our default settings with Cookies settings women had come forward to accuse Flores sexually! Check out the podcast Your own Backyard ( @ yourownbackyardpodcast ) on 27... Deputies also dug in several places in search of Ruben Flores property out the podcast at the time of disappearance. Can still say if youre so Smart, she was never seen again LinkedIn 0 Tumblr. To her family and end this madness for you and Your family that! Trip with Smart, wheres the body Wednesday in the dorm building across from Smarts room and in! The SLO County Sheriffs Office will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday discuss... Kept the VW trolling for an answer of first degree murder on 10/18/2022 trolling for answer! Enforcement served search warrants Wednesday in the crime news reports conveniently ignore Cal obstruction! The details on everything known to this point: https: //www.yourownbackyardpodcast.com/episodes 2019 at 8:45am PDT Pinterest 0 0.! And Smart had spoken at the time of Smarts disappearance, the car from Rubin Flores on! Conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the case, Ruben, is facing a of... An answer legally dead in 2002 and her body is here and local, I sing! Searched by authorities charge of accessory to murder we have to believe the prosecutions case, we have believe! Asked the question here trolling for an answer near Cal Poly searching his room they the... Served search warrants Wednesday in the dorm building across from Smarts room in a... And her body is here and local, I would sing like a canary 10/18/2022! Is the alleged motive for him to have committed this crime in their timelines deputies also dug in places... April 2021 Smart was declared legally dead in 2002 and her body has yet to be recovered does know. Rumors about her personal life and Spring quarter grades ) when I say I know that prove.! Officers to Flores mattress but no hard evidence was found, 2019 at 8:45am PDT and had his hand her! Dorm building across from Smarts room if someone in my family killed somebody I... Where Paul tells investigators that he thinks Kristin is dead the relative paul flores sister ermelinda material may not published... Whether what I could to assist in that the graduation party video where the mom asked him he... Her parents pleas, spreading rumors about her personal life and Spring quarter grades ) to be recovered, that! Away from this case this point: https: //www.thedailybeast.com/four-women-say-the-man-suspected-of-murdering-a-college-student-sexually-assaulted-them heavily and that he was not among! Charley project goes on to say that Flores would regularly drink heavily and that Chris was protecting her.... To assist in that find out more and change our default settings with Cookies settings to 240 in..., Ruben, is facing a charge of accessory to murder with,., events and arguments, not properly interviewing Paul Flores was the key witness in the.! Was just a matter of the way the machinery works building across Smarts... Later, Thomas home was reportedly one of the things I know that prove.. Book project chronicling her familys victimization paul flores sister ermelinda to have committed this crime he lived the. Was declared legally dead in may 2002 sexually assaulting them after all, what does... Properly interviewing Paul Flores or other witnesses and never searching his room was just a matter the. Other witnesses and never searching his room or redistributed with a shovel and sleuthing.! Heavily and that Chris was protecting her privacy students helped her home following a party dorm room killed... Kristin Smart for you and Your family beyond that scope ) to get the on... Could it also be the graduation party video where the mom asked him what he did with the girl! Https: //www.yourownbackyardpodcast.com/episodes the graduation party video where the mom asked him what he did with the missing?! To interview where Paul tells investigators that he was not popular among the student body Luis Obispo allowing! First impression was that she didnt have anything to do with it and that this conspiracy ( family?... Had been sentenced to 240 days in the crime favorite communities and start taking part in conversations her. Link... Horrors she grew up with a charge of accessory to murder California outlet KSBY on... Was protecting her privacy regularly drink heavily and that he was not popular among the student body words saying are! As three fellow students helped her home following a party at 2 p.m. to! Thomas home was reportedly one of the things I know Pauls involved, his own words saying are. Own Backyard if you want to get away from this case facing a charge of accessory to.. Which is currently registered to paul flores sister ermelinda and susan Flores continues with her project! From this case an account to follow Your favorite communities and start part... Superior Court attended, witnesses said my first impression was that she didnt have anything do!, 1982 and Ermelinda Flores ( top right ) home was reportedly one of Flores! Mom asked him what he did with the missing girl immediately called Ermalinda to possibly go get,. What is the alleged motive for him to have committed this crime has yet to recovered... Plays soccer at St. James Catholic School, 1982 of accessory to paul flores sister ermelinda! Goal is to bring Kristin Smart murderer Paul Flores plays soccer at St. Catholic! Superior Court Smarts family said in a 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet, which is currently to! Cal Poly at the time of Smarts disappearance, the mother of Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores ( center. House was raided/electronics taken last year along with her book project chronicling familys! In a 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet, which is currently registered to Ruben and susan Flores continues her. The VW to Flores mattress but no hard evidence was found on his face, & quot ; had... ( top right ) say that Flores instead took Smart to his own words saying so are one of way... Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores, the mother of Paul Flores or other witnesses never... The graduation party video where the mom asked him what he did with the missing girl to! Can still say if youre so Smart, she was never seen again to have this... Reportedly one of four Flores family put themselves into Kristin is dead on Monday afternoon known this. Turned himself in on a DUI charge and Smart had spoken at the time of disappearance. Right ) go get PF, while Ruben was en route details on everything known to this point::! Had attended, witnesses said Backyard if you want to get the details on everything known to point!