Paul Flores Sentenced to 25 Years to Life

By CAMILLE DEVAUL camille@pasoroblespress.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO

COUNTY — e man who was convicted of murdering 19-year-old Cal Poly student

Kristin Smart in 1996 has been

School Board Approves

Controversial Chemistry Textbook

the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

By CHRISTIANNA MARKS christianna@pasoroblespress.com

PASO ROBLES — Despite challenges from the public, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) trustees approved new textbooks for Advanced Placement Chemistry and Advanced Placement Physics at the Tuesday, March 14 board meeting. Both trustees, Dorian Baker and Laurene McCoy, voted against the approval, sharing concerns with multiple parents over content inside the chemistry textbook. Trustee Sondra Williams was absent from the 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 o ender 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 o -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 nally delivered justice for Kristin Smart, for the Smart family, and for our San Luis Obispo Coun- ty 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 Sheri ’s

O ce for their tireless e ort in building this case. Today [March 10], justice delayed is not justice denied.”

Prior to Paul’s nal 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

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