Nearly three decades after Kristin Smart disappeared, investigators in California continue searching for answers. Authorities recently completed a new search at the home of Susan Flores, hoping to locate Kristin’s remains. However, officials now say the search ended without recovering her body, leaving Kristin’s family still waiting for the day they can finally bring her home.
Authorities Complete New Search in Kristin Smart Investigation
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that investigators recently searched Susan Flores’ property in Arroyo Grande.
The multi-day search officially concluded on May 9.
After carefully examining the property, investigators announced that Kristin Smart’s remains were not found.
Officials said detectives will now review and analyze any evidence collected during the search.
Investigators Say Soil Tests Raised New Questions
During the investigation, Sheriff Ian Parkinson revealed that forensic soil testing showed signs that human remains may have been present on the property.
According to investigators, scientific testing identified compounds commonly associated with human decomposition.
Officials say the evidence suggests:
- Human remains may have been buried there in the past
- Or remains may still have been present at some point during earlier investigations
However, authorities stressed they cannot confirm that the evidence is directly linked to Kristin Smart.
Property Had Been Searched Before
This was not the first time investigators searched the Flores family property.
Authorities say Susan Flores’ home had previously been searched twice without major findings.
However, detectives said new investigative leads and fresh evidence prompted the latest search warrant.
Sheriff Parkinson said investigators were determined to leave no area unchecked.
Paul Flores Was Convicted of Kristin Smart’s Murder
Kristin Smart disappeared in 1996 while attending California Polytechnic State University.
She was only 19 years old.
In 2022, Paul Flores was found guilty of murdering Kristin.
Prosecutors argued that Paul sexually assaulted Kristin before killing her.
He was later sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors Alleged Family Helped Hide Evidence
During the murder trial, prosecutors claimed Paul’s father, Ruben Flores, helped move and hide Kristin’s body.
Investigators believed her remains may have once been buried beneath a deck at the family’s property.
However, Ruben Flores was later found not guilty of being an accessory after the crime.
Authorities have also confirmed that Susan Flores has not been charged with any crime related to Kristin’s disappearance or murder.
Search for Kristin Smart Continues
Even though the latest search did not uncover Kristin’s remains, investigators say the case remains active.
Officials say they remain fully committed to finding Kristin and bringing closure to her family.
No additional public updates are expected at this time as detectives continue reviewing evidence.
The disappearance of Kristin Smart remains one of California’s most heartbreaking unsolved recovery cases. While Paul Flores has been convicted for her murder, the fact that Kristin’s remains have still not been found continues to leave her family without full closure nearly 30 years later.
Although the latest search at Susan Flores’ property did not provide the breakthrough investigators hoped for, authorities say they are not giving up. For Kristin’s loved ones, the search for answers—and for her return home—continues.
