Kristin Smart Murder Trial Moves to Monterey County

By edhat staff

San Luis Obispo County Judge Craig van Rooyen announced Wednesday the Kristin Smart murder trial will move to Monterey County.

Paul Flores and his father Ruben were arrested in April 2021 in connection with the disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart.

Judge van Rooyen previously stated there is a reasonable likelihood Paul and Ruben Flores would not receive a fair and impartial trial in San Luis Obispo County.

This is probably the most highly-covered case in San Luis Obispo County’s history and has been the focus of intense local scrutiny that’s only increased over time, said van Rooyen.

Smart disappeared in 1996 from Cal Poly’s campus and was reportedly last seen with Paul Flores, who has been a longtime person of interest in the case. 

Paul Flores is charged with her murder and is being held in San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail. Ruben is charged as an accessory, accused of helping hide Smart’s body, and is currently out on bail. 

A virtual pre-trial conference is scheduled for April 25.

 

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Edhat Staff

Written by Edhat Staff

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  1. Isn’t it though?
    To say I’m tired of two decades of hearing about this blond haired white girl as if the this is the most important death in this white bread county.
    So – where is your compassion and outrage over the numerous unsolved slayings of black and brown people during these same 16 years?
    Let me guess – you don’t care because they don’t count.

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