On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office executed a fresh search warrant at the Arroyo Grande home of Susan Flores, the mother of convicted killer Paul Flores, in a continued effort to locate the remains of Kristin Smart.
As of Thursday, May 7, authorities are entering their second day of investigation at the property.
Key Details of the Search
Location: The search is centered on the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande, California. Susan Flores was reportedly served with the warrant on her doorstep at approximately 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday.
Objective: The primary goal remains the recovery of Kristin Smart’s remains, which have never been found since her disappearance from the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus in May 1996.
Equipment Used: Investigators have been seen using ground-scanning equipment and various tools to identify anomalies underground, such as disturbed soil or potential items of interest.
Coordination: San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow confirmed that his office’s Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Sheriff’s Office. He emphasized that authorities remain “firmly committed to using every lawful tool available” to bring Kristin home.
Background and Context
Paul Flores’ Conviction: Paul Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in October 2022 and is currently serving a sentence of 25 years to life.
Family Involvement: Detectives have long suspected that family members may have assisted in concealing the crime. While Paul’s father, Ruben Flores, was acquitted of accessory charges in 2022, the investigation into the family’s properties has never officially closed.
New Evidence: Law enforcement officials noted that a search warrant of this nature requires “judicial authorization,” implying that investigators presented fresh evidence or specific probable cause to a judge to justify returning to the property nearly 30 years after the crime.
The Sheriff’s Office has stated that no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the active investigation.
