Judge Rules Sufficient Evidence To Try Paul Ruben Flores In Smart Case

In further developments in the Kristen Smart case, KSBY.com reported the judge presiding over the preliminary hearing for Paul and Ruben Flores ruled Sept. 22 that there is sufficient evidence to move the case forward to trial. The two men are charged in connection with the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. While her remains have never been found, Smart was declared legally dead in 2002.

Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested at their homes this past April, nearly 25 years after Kristin’s disappearance.

Paul is charged with her murder. His father, Ruben, is charged as an accessory after the fact, accused of helping hide Kristin’s body.

Paul Flores has remained in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail since his arrest. Ruben is currently out on bail.

The judge’s ruling followed a month and a half-long preliminary hearing which began on Monday, Aug. 2, and included testimony from more than two dozen witnesses, including current and former detectives, former friends and acquaintances of both Paul and Kristin, cadaver dog handlers, and soil experts.

Details: www.ksby.com/news/kristin-smart-case