Kristin Smart Case: Why Police Believe Paul Flores, Father Are Linked To Her Murder

Two men linked to the disappearance of a Califonia college student in 1996 have been arrested as authorities announced a major development in the case.

Police on Tuesday arrested 44-year-old Paul Flores and his father, 80-year-old Ruben Flores, after a search in the older Flores' Arroyo Grande home last month led to the discovery of evidence related to the murder of Kristin Smart, a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office said.

Police said they obtained evidence that identified Paul Flores as the prime suspect in 2016. The evidence, along with new information gathered from a previously unknown witness in 2019, secured a court order allowing authorities to intercept and monitor Flores' phone activity.

In 2020, additional searches were conducted in Flores' San Pedro home as well as the homes of his father, mother, and sister. These led to the recovery of physical evidence related to the murder in Flores' residence, police said.

Flores, who was identified as a person of interest early on in the investigation, was referred to by authorities as the "prime suspect" in the case starting last month, KSBY reported.

Police pointed out, among other accomplishments, a total of 41 search warrants were issued and 193 new items of evidence were recovered since 2011.

"After 24 years we have finally brought justice for Kristin," Sheriff Ian Parkinson said. "And hopefully some closure for the Smart family and peace to our community."

According to Parkinson, "It's taken many years to get to this point, but as I've always said, it's not what you believe, it's what you can prove. And we can finally say we have done that today."

Paul Flores was charged with murder and no bail amount was posted. Ruben Flores was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of being an accessory to the crime with a $250,000 bail, local newspaper The Tribune reported.

They are both expected to appear in court on Thursday for their arraignment.

Smart was a 19-year-old freshman at the California Polytechnic State University when she disappeared in May 1996. According to authorities, she was last seen walking home with Paul Flores after attending an off-campus fraternity party. A roommate reported her missing on May 27.

Authorities have not located Smart's body. She was declared legally dead on May 25, 2002.