New Search Warrant Executed at Arroyo Grande Home in Ongoing Effort to Find Kristin Smart’s Remains

San Luis Obispo County investigators executed a court-authorized search on Wednesday, May 6, at a property in the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande as part of the ongoing effort to locate the remains of Kristin Smart, according to statements from the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.

The SLO Sheriff’s Office said the activity stemmed from a search warrant signed by a Superior Court judge and reaffirmed its commitment to bringing Smart home to her family.

The agency added that no further information would be released and that it would not be making additional comments about the investigation at this time.

District Attorney Dan Dow confirmed his office’s involvement and identified the location as the residence of Susan Flores. He said the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation assisted with the operation and that Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth supported the Sheriff’s Office in obtaining judicial authorization for the warrant.

Dow stated that, since the jury convicted Paul Flores for Smart’s murder, his office has continued working with the Sheriff’s Office to fulfill a shared commitment to bring Smart home. 

“While those responsible for Kristin’s death—and those with knowledge of her whereabouts—could provide answers at any time, we remain firmly committed to using every lawful tool available to locate Kristin’s remains and to support her family until she is brought home,” said Dow.

Authorities did not announce any arrests or discoveries connected to Wednesday’s operation. They asked for the public’s help and encouraged anyone with information, no matter how small, to submit tips anonymously to San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-549-STOP (7867).

Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman, disappeared over Memorial Day weekend in 1996 after walking back from a party. Fellow student Paul Flores told police he last saw her near Grand Avenue and Perimeter Road on campus. She was never seen again, and her remains have not been found.

After a decades-long investigation, Paul Flores was arrested in 2021 and convicted of first-degree murder in 2022. He was sentenced in March 2023 to 25 years to life in state prison.

His conviction was affirmed by the Second District Court of Appeal in October 2025, and the California Supreme Court denied review in January 2026.

Detectives have long said they believe some members of Paul Flores’ family helped conceal the crime. Over the years, investigators have served multiple warrants at properties linked to his parents, Ruben and Susan Flores.

Ruben Flores was tried as an accessory but was acquitted by a jury, and Susan Flores has not been charged.

In 2021, investigators searched an Arroyo Grande home belonging to Ruben Flores, focusing on the area beneath a back deck with ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs.

During Paul Flores’ trial, prosecutors argued that Smart’s remains were once buried at that property and later moved as the investigation advanced.

Officials say the latest search reflects law enforcement’s continued commitment to finding Smart’s remains and providing answers to her family after nearly three decades.