Paul Flores guilty of first-degree murder of Kristin Smart

A jury on Tuesday found Paul Flores guilty of first-degree murder in the disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart more than 26 years ago.

The verdict for his father, Ruben Flores, is expected to be read at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The court is currently waiting on one of Ruben’s jurors to arrive.

Paul Flores did not react when the guilty verdict came down. His father, who was seated directly behind him, also didn’t react to the verdict.

Several of Kristin’s family members were also inside the courtroom. Her mother and sister cried for several minutes after the reading of the verdict. Kristin’s father and brother appeared relieved.

Susan Flores, Paul’s mother, was not in the courtroom for the verdict.

While Ruben’s jury delivered their sealed verdict to Judge Jennifer O’Keefe late Monday morning, Paul’s jury took nearly two weeks to finalize a decision, although jurors did not deliberate every day.
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Closing arguments in their case wrapped up the first week of October and two teams of 12 jurors began deliberating separately after that.

Paul Flores and his father, Ruben, were arrested on the morning of April 13, 2021, at their separate homes in connection with the May 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart.

Paul, 45, was charged with first-degree murder. Authorities alleged he killed the 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman while trying to rape her. Witnesses said Paul Flores was the last person to be seen with Kristin Smart prior to her disappearance.

Ruben Flores, 81, was charged with accessory after the fact, accused of helping cover up the alleged crime. He posted $50,000 bond shortly after his arrest and was released from custody. Paul was denied bail and remained in custody.

The prosecution told jurors during closing arguments that the evidence is clear and shows Kristin Smart is dead and was killed by Paul Flores; however, the defense argued that the case is straightforward and there is no evidence of a murder.