Nearly three decades after college student Kristin Smart disappeared, investigators searching the property of the convicted killer’s mother have reportedly uncovered new evidence that may be connected to the case.
Authorities in California say soil removed from the property tested positive for signs linked to human decomposition, leading investigators to continue an extensive excavation at the home. The discovery has once again brought national attention to one of the most well-known missing person and murder cases in the United States.
Investigators Search Property Linked to Kristin Smart Case
California authorities announced that investigators executed a search warrant at the home of Susan Flores, the mother of convicted killer Paul Flores.
The update was shared on May 4 by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Ian Parkinson during a press conference discussing the ongoing search.
Paul Flores was convicted in 2022 for the murder of 19-year-old college freshman Kristin Smart, who disappeared in 1996 after attending a party near campus. Prosecutors argued during the trial that Flores killed Smart during an attempted sexual assault inside his dorm room.
Although Flores was convicted and later sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, Kristin Smart’s body has never been found.
Kristin Smart Disappeared in 1996
Kristin Smart was a college student who vanished in May 1996 while attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
She was last seen walking with Paul Flores after a party near the campus. Her disappearance quickly became one of California’s most famous unsolved missing person cases.
Years later, investigators stated they believed Smart had been murdered shortly after she disappeared.
According to prosecutors, investigators previously discovered what they described as a “clandestine grave” beneath Paul Flores’ home. Authorities believed Kristin Smart’s body may have been buried there temporarily before later being moved.
Excavated Soil Tested Positive for Human Decomposition
Sheriff Ian Parkinson revealed that soil removed from Susan Flores’ property recently tested positive for compounds commonly associated with human decomposition.
The search has reportedly focused heavily on areas of the property that investigators have considered suspicious for many years.
Authorities stated that this is the first time investigators have carried out a major excavation at Susan Flores’ home, even though the property had been searched previously during earlier stages of the investigation.
Sheriff Parkinson also said investigators would continue searching the property carefully until they were confident every possible area had been examined.
Neighbour Previously Reported Strange Backyard Sounds
Interest in the property increased over the years after reports connected to the popular true crime podcast “Your Own Backyard.”
Podcast host Chris Lambert previously revealed that a neighbour allegedly heard a watch alarm beeping every morning from a newly filled backyard planter on the property shortly after Kristin Smart disappeared.
The unusual detail became widely discussed among followers of the case and added to public suspicion surrounding the property.
Authorities have never publicly confirmed whether the reported beeping was connected to Smart’s disappearance, but the information remained part of ongoing public discussion surrounding the investigation.
Susan Flores Remains a Person of Interest
Sheriff Parkinson stated during the recent press conference that Susan Flores has long been considered a person of interest in the case. However, he also explained that investigators currently do not have legal grounds to arrest or detain her.
Officials have not announced whether any new criminal charges could eventually result from the latest search and excavation.
Investigators continue examining evidence collected from the property while forensic experts assist with the ongoing operation.
Kristin Smart’s Family Remains Hopeful
Kristin Smart’s family released a statement expressing hope that the current search could finally lead investigators to answers after nearly 30 years.
The family thanked Sheriff Ian Parkinson, investigators, and forensic experts involved in the case for their continued dedication and hard work.
They also expressed gratitude for the support shown by both the local community and people across the country who have continued following the case over the years.
The family stated they remain hopeful that Kristin can finally be brought home.
