Kristin Smart, an 18-year-old freshman at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, was last seen in the early hours of May 25, 1996, after attending a party near the campus. Kristin had left the party around 2 a.m. with a fellow student, Paul Flores, who was seen walking her back to her dorm. Flores was the last known person to see her alive, and he claimed that he parted ways with Kristin near her residence hall, leaving her to walk the rest of the way alone.
Kristin never made it back to her dorm, and she was reported missing two days later.
The investigation into Kristin's disappearance initially faced setbacks, with campus police believing she had gone on an unannounced trip. However, as time passed and Kristin did not return, the case was reclassified as a potential abduction. Extensive searches, including the use of cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar, were conducted, focusing on areas where Flores lived and frequented. Despite these efforts, Kristin's body has never been found.
In 2021, after years of suspicion surrounding Paul Flores, he was arrested and charged with Kristin's murder. His father, Ruben Flores, was also charged with being an accessory, accused of helping conceal Kristin’s body. Investigators believe Kristin's remains were initially buried under Ruben's deck before being moved. After a highly publicized trial, Paul Flores was convicted of Kristin’s murder in 2022, while his father was acquitted of the charges against him.
Kristin’s case remained cold for over two decades, but it has continued to draw attention as one of California’s most notable missing person cases. Although her remains have not been found, her family and authorities continue to seek answers and justice for Kristin.Last Seen: May 25, 1996
