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Paul Flores will be charged with first-degree murder and his father, Ruben Flores, will be charged with accessory after murder for helping him conceal Smart s body, which has never been found, District Attorney Dan Dow said.
The son and father were arrested Tuesday after years of investigations and searches that recently led to evidence connected to Smartâs killing.
Smart, 19, of Stockton, was last seen May 25, 1996, while returning to her dorm at California Polytechnic State University campus in San Luis Obispo after an off-campus party. She was inebriated at the time and Flores, a fellow freshman at the school, had offered to walk her home.
By BRIAN MELLEY
Associated Press
The âprime suspectâ was arrested Tuesday in the 25-year-old disappearance of a California college student and the San Luis Obispo sheriff planned to announce âmajor developmentsâ in the case.
Paul Flores, 44, who was the last person seen with Kristin Smart before she vanished in 1996, was taken into custody in the Los Angeles area. His father, Ruben Flores, 80, was arrested as an accessory at his Arroyo Grande home, where sheriffâs investigators conducted another search.
Defense attorney Robert Sanger confirmed Paul Flores was arrested in the Smart case, though no details were immediately available on the charges he faces. Sanger declined further comment.
Tuk Tuk Box delivers a box of Southeast Asian snacks, treats and beverages. Submitted photo
One of the more interesting aspects of this job as editor of the food pages, is being invited to sample new products. During this pandemic year, the arrival of boxes at my door has certainly been more entertaining than one more Zoom meeting.
The contents have ranged from bottled camelsâ milk (probably best enjoyed in the desert) to Distelâs Turkey Meatloaf in a sous vide bag (tasty; you can find it at Whole Foods), from barbecued jackfruit (well, itâs virtuous) to a new brand of nut butters (Once Again, worth seeking out.)