Paul Flores Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Murder of Kristin Smart

By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life

The man convicted of murdering 19-yearold Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

On Friday, March 10, Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced Paul Flores, 46, to serve 25 years to life in state prison after a jury convicted him last October of Kristin’s murder. As part of his sentencing, Paul will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Kristin Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she was reported missing in May 1996. She was last seen walking away from an off-campus party on Crandall Way with Paul. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest of Paul and his father, Ruben Flores, 81. In October 2022, Ruben was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. Ruben was accused of helping his son hide Kristin’s remains. However, Paul was found guilty and convicted.

“Our criminal and victim justice system has finally delivered justice for Kristin Smart, for the Smart family, and for our San Luis Obispo County community,” said District Attorney Dan Dow on the day of Paul’s conviction. “We thank the Smart family and our community for the tremendous trust and patience they placed in the investigation and prosecution of this terrible crime. We recognize the jury for their focused attention to the evidence and the Sheriff’s Office for their tireless effort in building this case. Today [March 10], justice delayed is not justice denied.”

Prior to Paul’s final sentencing, the court heard a motion from his defense lawyer Robert Sanger to seek a new trial, dismissal of charges, and acquittal. According to reports, Sanger argued that witnesses were not truthful in their testimonies.

Both motions were denied by Judge O’Keefe.

While the morning’s motions were not filmed like the rest of the trial, Judge O’Keefe approved one pool camera to record the sentencing. KSBY News operated as the pool camera.

SLO County Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle referred to Paul as a “true psychopath,” requesting him to receive the maximum sentencing. A video of Kristin throughout her life was shown, followed by impact statements from her family.

Kristin’s father, Stan Smart, began by describing the strain her murder left on his remaining children and his marriage.

“He and his family have continued to hide her remains and deny our family the opportunity to bring her home for an appropriate funeral,” said Stan referring to Paul and his family. “They have no remorse for taking our daughter’s life.”

Stan was followed by Kristin’s brother, Matt; Matt’s wife, Lisa; Kristin’s cousin, Eric; her childhood friend, Ann-Marie; and Kristin’s sister, Lindsey, and her husband. Her mother, Denise, spoke last.

Following the impact statements, Judge O’Keefe spoke directly to Paul telling him, “You have been a cancer to society.”

In a press release following the sentencing, the SLO County District Attorney’s Office described the sentencing as a “result of a tremendous collaborative effort of more than a dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies over the span of 25 years, but most importantly, the perseverance of the Smart family.”

The case was prosecuted by SLO County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle along with Assistant Chief Investigator for the SLO County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation James “J.T.” Camp, and Senior Detective with the SLO County Sheriff’s Office Clint Cole.

“After nearly 27 years of unspeakable anguish, the Smart family has finally seen their daughter’s killer sentenced. Their strength and determination serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Peuvrelle in the same press release. “The prosecution team is grateful for the support of the entire San Luis Obispo community during the case. The community stood together, never gave up, and supported us to see that justice was done. We hope that victims everywhere know that there are people in the Justice System who will stand up to make sure their voices are heard.”

The District Attorney’s office thanked the Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni and her team for providing physical and technical support throughout the trial, which was held at the Salinas Valley Courthouse in Monterey County. The trial was moved to Salinas after San Luis Obispo County Judge Craig van Rooyen ruled the father and son would not receive a fair trial in SLO County.

SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson released a statement regarding Paul’s sentencing, “I agree with the sentence of 25-years-to-life handed down today against Paul Flores for the murder of Kristin Smart. It was a long time coming, but it is a decision that is right and just. Our thoughts right now are with the Smart family. Today is not about us and what we did, but about them and what they do now. How they move forward. We want to remind the community this case is not over yet. And it won’t be over until Kristin has been returned to her family.”

The trial began on July 18, just over a year after the father and son’s arrest. Throughout the trial, jurors heard from witnesses, including former Cal Poly students who were with Kristin and Paul at the party on Crandall Way the night she went missing.

Two Jane Does from Los Angeles County testified in the trial, accusing Paul of raping them. Their testimonies have been deemed an integral part in the prosecution’s case against Paul. While Kristin’s remains have not been found, she was legally declared dead in 2002. Her remains have yet to be located despite now 26 years of searching.