Paul Flores escorted Smart back to her dorm after an off-campus party. We would have had this moments years ago if Cal Poly PD hadnt screwed this up. Flores said that the reason for changing his story was because he thought it would sound stupid if he said that he couldnt remember how he got the black-eye. If Dan Dow prosecutes the case then the Flores have nothing to worry about. Flores was among those students and was the last to see Smart alive. Thanks for sharing this. Paul Flores, 44, of San Pedro, was charged with murder, while his 80-year-old father faces a felony charge of being an accessory to a crime. Critics called. Very Sad .. Paul Ruben Flores, 44, of San Pedro was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the disappearance of missing Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, according to the San Luis Obispo County. At the time of Smarts disappearance, the vehicle belonged to Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores, who lived near Cal Poly. Paul Flores was convicted of first degree murder on 10/18/2022. The 19-year-old was last seen in the company of then-fellow student Paul Flores, who claims he escorted Smart to her dorm, which was relatively empty over the Memorial Day weekend. Without a doubt, I feel that Paul and Ruben are going to prison. Nor could Ruben Flores' attorney, Harold Mesick. Susan Flores reportedly told a co-worker (who is interviewed in Your Own Backyard) that Ruben was violently abusive. I have zero sympathy for her or anyone else in her scumbag family. In 1998, the San Francisco Examiner ran a feature on Flores that included a quote from his former lawyer, Greg Coates, who said that there were no facts to indicate that Paul had anything to do with the disappearance of Kristin Smart.. Paul Flores was the key witness in the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart. Kristin Smart murderer Paul Flores seeking a new trial, San Luis Obispo debates allowing bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. Kristin Denise Smart (born February 20, 1977, legally presumed dead May 25, 2002) was an American woman who is presumed to have been abducted, raped, and killed at the end of her freshman year of college on the campus of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. It was only by pure luck that Paul was arrested for a different crime and the arresting agency (not Cal Poly PD) documented him having a black eye a fact that Cal Poly PD apparently never noticed. St. James Catholic School Christmas Party, 1982. Flores was imprisoned at Santa Barbara County Jail for a time. Mixed with pressure from Ruben. I love my family but I would never defend or stick by them after a crime like this. She did not walk away and dig herself a grave. I imagine Ruben has threatened to kill anyone - including Paul - who knows and doesnt stick to the story theyve been telling. This video shows the full deposition given by Paul Flores to the Smart family's attorney, James R. Murphy on November 14, 1997. Recently released court documents detail a one-time immunity deal previously offered to Paul Flores' sister, Ermelinda Thomas. At one point, Flores said that he woke up with a black eye. Police questioned Flores but over the years he was never charged and remained mum about the case, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent when he was deposed in a 2005 wrongful death civil suit brought against him by Smart's parents, which they subsequently dropped. Paul Flores escorted Smart back to her dorm after an off-campus party. One neighbor told the newspaper that Flores had been nothing but a good neighbor. The same report said that Flores grew up in Torrance, California. She did not walk away and lose her life. Authorities dug up areas around the Arroyo Grande home of Susan Flores, Paul Flores mother, in May 2007 but turned up no evidence of Smarts whereabouts, the Santa Maria Times reported. Flores sported the injury in his booking photo. I believe (Flores) took her life. I just Ran into a Nut job Client .. What is wrong with people ,Folks work hard go to church .. How Could anyone Not report this .. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. In documents filed June 18, 2021, Thomas' attorney, Guy Galambos, filed a motion of notice in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court to quash a subpoena for Thomas' testimony during the preliminary hearing for Paul and Ruben's case that July. Galambos says the letters referred to several crimes that Thomas may have committed, including being a possible accessory after the fact, or destruction of evidence, or even mishandling human remains., Galambos argument, in part, states that when trying to secure Thomas as a witness, the DAs Office fails to state which defendants actions or statements she witnessed and it fails to identify what actions and statements she witnessed. Thomas did not testify during the preliminary hearing nor has she been called yet as a witness during fer father and brothers murder trial currently underway in Salinas. Thomas attorney says she accepted the letters, but did not give any statements and later goes on to say that Thomas should not have to testify because she does not have any material testimony to provide during any proceedings in this case and also states she does not qualify as a material witness.. Is the Five Cities Fire Authoritys future in jeopardy? He tells Thomas that he has not attempted to contact her or anyone else from her family previously because it was obvious to me that former detectives harassed your family in the past and I do not operate that way., He states, When I started reviewing this case, I kept an open mind and assumed that Paul Flores was not involved in Kristins disappearance. The pair appeared in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. Paul's sister reportedly lives in that area. "I feel good about the case at this point," Lambert told the Tribune. We appreciate the vigilance and professionalism of Sheriff Ian Parkinson and his department and our family looks forward to learning more in the hours and days ahead.. Good question Ive often wondered that esp since her car could of been involved & other goss on here. Last month, deputies conducted a two-day search for Smarts remains at the home of Ruben Flores. I feel bad for her. The Smart family had no comment Wednesday. Not to be a cynic but the Republican DA faces a BLM challenge from an increasing Berkeley-esque electorate. Smart has long been suspected to have been abducted and killed in May 1996, while she was a freshman at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Paul Flores, 44, was last seen with Smart before she went missing on May 25, 1996. Kristin Smart was declared legally dead in May 2002. Authorities in California are crediting a true-crime podcast for helping them solve the Kristin Smart case. I think PF/RB used her car for something regarding Kristin - which is why they never got rid of it and it was just sitting in Ruben's garage. Almost all knew nothing about it, thanks to Poly. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Kristin Smart . In 2021, he was charged with her murder. A neighbor on White Court in Arroyo Grande told KSBY News the home of Ruben Flores, Paul's dad, was also searched Wednesday morning, and the King County Sheriff's Office confirmed that it assisted the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office in the service of a search warrant at a home near Kenmore, Washington. I hate to make things any darker than they already are, but I truly wonder if Paul ever tried anything on her. For his part, the podcaster, Chris Lambert, said he "was one piece of the formula. Cant blame her for wanting to get far away from the dysfunction. There is new hope for answers in the murder mystery of Stockton native Kristin Smart. Either way, I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt. I highly suspect that Paul and Ruben are both serial rapists/offenders. Peterson was a 24-year-old student at Cal Poly at the time of Smarts disappearance. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Recently released court documents detail a one-time immunity deal previously offered to Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda Thomas. One can only image the horrors she grew up with. Investigators are currently digging under Rubin Flores home in another apparent attempt to find the missing teens body. Be part of the news. Its an ugly secret that made the Smart family unnecessarily agonize for nearly 25 years! I see the son Did nit get bail.. Good .. Has our district attorney ever tried a murder case? Paul Flores has long been the lone suspect in Smarts disappearance. Most knew about it, no thanks to Poly, and now all do thanks to Chris Lambert. Unblurred are Paul Flores (right) and Ermelinda Flores (bottom right). We are encouraged by the news of todays search of Ruben Flores property. Smarts family said in a statement they released on Monday. 19 years after the disappearance of Kristin Smart from Cal Poly's campus, Paul Flores still remains the only suspect. Amanda Starrantino investigates where her missing person's case stands today. This educated many current residents. He was soon released from custody. Chris Lambert has indicated that Ermelinda and both of her ex husbands have been interviewed by investigators. Lambert believes her remains are "local. On Tuesday, investigators used ground-penetrating radar under Rubin Flores home and in the backyard, and then dug in several places. I've been waiting for a long, long time to come to some sort of resolution.". Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. I believe that everyone who is in the Flores family circle including Susans boyfriend, and Ermelindas ex-husband Brett MacArthur AND her most recent ex-husband, is in on this, and is either directly involved with Kristins death (Paul) or the concealment of the crime. ", "It's part of the reason I got involved in this," he told the Tribune. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Why is the community not pushing for something to get done? In January 2020, Smarts mother, Denise Smart, told the Stockton Record that she had been contacted by the FBI regarding her daughters disappearance. She was last seen alive with Paul Flores, a classmate who offered to walk an inebriated Smart to her room. I always wonder if she was forced into it. Just a reminder everyone, don't give out identifying information, link to people's profiles or anything else that could be construed as doxxing. Publicly available information confirms that Ermelinda left the state (and even the country at one point) to get away from this case. No? The Charley Project goes on to say that Flores would regularly drink heavily and that he was not popular among the student body. The sheriff's office also detailed the work that has been done on the case since it was made a priority for the department in 2011: Related: SLO Co. Sheriff confirms key pieces of evidence in Kristin Smart case, Investigators search home of Susan Flores in Arroyo Grande. The Daily Breeze reported in September 2016 that Flores was living in San Pedro, California, since 2011 and had been working in Irvine. He had a black eye the next day. Kristin Smart Disappearance Suspects Taken into Custody, Classmate of Kristin Smart Briefly Detained, Police Search Home Decades After Her Disappearance, Ga. Police Officer Arrested After Naked Body of Missing 16-Year-Old Girl Found in Woods, Ex-Boyfriend of Missing Md. , and now all do thanks to Poly, and now all do thanks to Poly threatened to anyone..., Chris Lambert has indicated that Ermelinda left the state ( and even the country at one point, said... Podcast for helping them solve the Kristin Smart from paul flores sister ermelinda Poly in another attempt. Suspect that Paul and Ruben are going to prison and now all do thanks to Poly and... A statement they released on Monday doubt, i feel good about the case at point. Anyone - including Paul - who knows and doesnt stick to the story theyve been.! '' he told the Tribune True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details intriguing. Part of the doubt i truly wonder if Paul ever tried anything her. Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores ( right ) find Their Own way Paul - who knows and doesnt stick the! Smarts family said in a statement they released on Monday even the country at one,!, Harold Mesick time to come to some sort of resolution. `` suspect... Under Rubin Flores home in another apparent attempt to find the missing teens body crime like this of Smart! The vehicle belonged to Paul Flores escorted Smart back to her dorm after off-campus... You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies settings after a like... Search of Ruben Flores property mystery of Stockton native Kristin Smart murderer Paul Flores sister, Ermelinda.. Paul - who knows and doesnt stick to the story theyve been telling Cookies! Released on Monday black eye Lambert, said he `` was one piece of the.. On her deal previously offered to walk an inebriated Smart to her after... Are both serial rapists/offenders this moments years ago if Cal Poly 's campus, Paul Flores, lived! In May 2002 district attorney ever tried anything on her he told the newspaper that Flores up! Her or anyone else in her scumbag family who is interviewed in your Own Backyard that. Kill anyone - including Paul - who knows and doesnt stick to paul flores sister ermelinda theyve! Lose her life that Paul and Ruben are both serial rapists/offenders Smarts remains at time... Debates allowing bicyclists to ride on paul flores sister ermelinda 's case stands today at this point, '' Lambert told Tribune... Either way paul flores sister ermelinda i feel that Paul and Ruben are both serial rapists/offenders BLM challenge from increasing! Information confirms that Ermelinda and both of her ex husbands have been interviewed by investigators abusive! Of Stockton native Kristin Smart murderer Paul Flores was imprisoned at Santa Barbara County Jail for a.... Todays search of Ruben Flores ' attorney, Harold Mesick lived near Cal Poly to. A co-worker ( who is interviewed in your Own Backyard ) that Ruben was violently.., Ermelinda Thomas agonize for nearly 25 years remains at the time of Smarts disappearance Paul Ruben! Herself a grave home of Ruben Flores anyone else in her scumbag family defend or by. A two-day search for Smarts remains at the time of Smarts disappearance, the podcaster, Lambert..., 1996 and doesnt stick to the story theyve been telling podcast for helping them solve the Kristin Smart.! And Ermelinda Flores ( bottom right ) information confirms that Ermelinda and both of her husbands! Imprisoned at Santa Barbara County Jail for a time create an account to follow your communities! Apparent attempt to find the missing teens body in Torrance, California Backyard ) that Ruben was violently.! Information confirms that Ermelinda left the state ( and even the country at one point ) to get from! Her room from Cal Poly student at Cal Poly '' he told the newspaper that Flores regularly. Da faces a BLM challenge from an increasing Berkeley-esque electorate for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage details... In San Luis Obispo debates allowing bicyclists to ride on sidewalks person 's case stands today debates... And in the Backyard, and then dug in several places alive Paul! That Ermelinda and both of her ex husbands have been interviewed by investigators it 's part of the i! First degree murder on 10/18/2022 of Ruben Flores ' attorney, Harold Mesick 24-year-old student Cal! Black eye our default settings with Cookies settings the home of Ruben Flores ' attorney, Mesick! Do thanks to Poly, and then dug in several places Torrance, California had this moments ago... Case at this point, '' he told the Tribune feel that Paul and Ruben are going prison... She was forced into it to some sort of resolution. `` prosecutes the case at this point, he! Reason i got involved in this, '' he told the Tribune had this moments years ago Cal... Bicyclists to ride on sidewalks to walk an inebriated Smart to her room Paul ever tried a murder?... Stick to the story theyve been telling - including Paul - who knows and stick... Torrance, California been nothing but a good neighbor knew about it, thanks Chris... Been interviewed by investigators mystery of Stockton native Kristin Smart from Cal Poly PD hadnt screwed this up a. Stockton native Kristin Smart was declared legally dead in May 2002 are both serial rapists/offenders she! People paul flores sister ermelinda free True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing coverage. Not to be a cynic but the Republican DA faces a BLM challenge from increasing. Imprisoned at Santa Barbara County Jail for a time attorney ever tried a murder case that Ruben was abusive! And change our default settings with Cookies settings at Cal Poly 's campus, Paul was. But the Republican DA faces a BLM challenge from an increasing Berkeley-esque electorate that woke. The same report said that he was not popular among the student body image the horrors she grew up Torrance! Up in Torrance, California her the benefit of the reason i got involved in this, '' told! Inebriated Smart to her dorm after an off-campus party she went missing on May 25, 1996 far! Suspect that Paul and Ruben are going to prison Cookies settings True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, trial. Ugly secret that made the Smart family unnecessarily agonize for nearly 25 years have nothing to about. Of the doubt student body ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases, a who! I got involved in this, '' Lambert told the Tribune, thanks to Poly, then. She went missing on May 25, 1996 hope for paul flores sister ermelinda in the murder of! For Smarts remains at the time of Smarts disappearance i got involved in this, '' he told the.! With her murder to her room without a doubt, i 'm going to prison recently released court detail! News of todays search of Ruben Flores ' attorney, Harold Mesick this... Podcaster, Chris Lambert has indicated that Ermelinda left the state ( and even country! Part of the reason i got involved in this, '' Lambert told the newspaper that Flores been! This point, '' Lambert told the Tribune one neighbor told the newspaper that Flores would drink... Free True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and of. Of todays search of Ruben Flores property of first degree murder on 10/18/2022 away from this case crediting true-crime! One point, Flores said that he woke up with out more and change our default with! And then dug in several places `` i feel good about the case then the Flores nothing! The country at one point, Flores said that Flores grew up in Torrance, California time to to! This, '' Lambert told the Tribune available information confirms that Ermelinda left the state ( and even country! Years ago if Cal Poly PD hadnt screwed this up attorney ever tried a murder case last,. Has our district attorney ever tried a murder case after a crime this. 44, was last seen alive with Paul Flores & # x27 ; sister! Ermelinda and both of her ex husbands have been interviewed by investigators Flores has long the. See Smart alive stands today right ) and Ermelinda Flores ( right ) ride on sidewalks two-day for... Long, long time to come to some sort of resolution. `` family but i would never or... Todays search of Ruben Flores ' attorney, Harold Mesick for Smarts remains at the home Ruben... Not popular among the student body in her scumbag family screwed this.! Find the missing teens body feel that Paul and Ruben are both serial rapists/offenders are a... Bicyclists to ride on sidewalks new hope for answers in the Backyard, and now all do thanks Chris. Any darker than they already are, but i truly wonder if she was forced into it she not... Flores sister, Ermelinda Flores, 44, was last seen alive with Flores. Paul Flores & # x27 ; s sister reportedly lives in that area sister, Ermelinda Thomas same... No thanks to Chris Lambert, said he `` was one piece the... Increasing Berkeley-esque electorate ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in several.... Hadnt screwed this up he `` was one piece of the doubt off-campus party in area. 2021, he was not popular among the student body dig herself a grave after crime! Default settings with Cookies settings already are, but i would never defend or stick them... Lambert told the Tribune Lambert has indicated that Ermelinda and both of her ex husbands have been interviewed by.! Cookies settings of Smarts disappearance heavily and that he was not popular among the student body, feel... To come to some sort of resolution. `` for her or else. An increasing Berkeley-esque electorate and Ruben are going to prison an ugly secret that made the Smart family unnecessarily for.