Investigators found material consistent with human remains at a residence tied to the man convicted in the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office searched the home of the suspect’s mother and said initial scientific evidence suggests a body was present at the property. Authorities stressed that they have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains and that DNA and further forensic testing are pending. Paul Flores, convicted in 2022, continues to deny guilt.
Human Remains Found at Home Linked to Man Convicted in Kristin Smart Case
The Daily Beast/Public Domain
Authorities announced that material consistent with human remains was discovered during a search of a residence tied to the man recently convicted in the 1996 disappearance of California college student Kristin Smart.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said the search took place Wednesday at the home of the convicted suspect’s mother. Officials described findings that, based on forensic and scientific analysis to date, indicate a human body was present at the property either in the past or possibly still on site.
What Investigators Are Saying
“We believe that based on what we’re looking at evidence-wise, scientific-wise, that a human’s remains were there at one time, or still there,” Sheriff Ian Parkinson said. “We can’t call it Kristin, but there’s evidence to support human remains.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that investigators have not yet confirmed the identity of the remains, and said further forensic testing — including DNA analysis — will be required to determine whether the material is connected to Smart.
Case Background
Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old freshman at California Polytechnic State University, disappeared in 1996 after a night out with friends in Arroyo Grande, California. Her disappearance went cold and she was declared legally dead in 2002. Her former classmate Paul Flores, the last person known to have seen her alive, was charged and convicted of her murder in 2022. Flores continues to maintain his innocence while serving his sentence.
Next Steps
Investigators said they will continue detailed forensic and scientific analyses at the site and through laboratory testing. Officials also indicated that they will follow any leads uncovered by the search and pursue additional investigative avenues to establish the origin and identity of the remains.
The sheriff’s office asked the public to remain patient as authorities complete their work and warned that definitive conclusions will await the results of thorough forensic procedures.
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