Full Breakdown
Search Warrant Served at Susan Flores’ Arroyo Grande Home in Ongoing Search for Kristin Smart’s Remains
5/7/2026, 2:11:50 AM
New Search Warrant Execution
On May 6, 2026, deputies from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the 500-block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande, California. The warrant, signed by a Superior Court judge, authorized investigators to search the residence of Susan Flores, the mother of Paul Flores, who was convicted of killing Kristin Smart in 2022. Law-enforcement officials declined to disclose the specific items or evidence sought.
Background and Prior Investigations
Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman, vanished after an off-campus party in May 1996 and was declared legally dead in 2002. In 2021, Paul Flores—her last known companion—was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder in October 2022, and sentenced to 25 years-to-life in March 2023. His appeals were rejected by the California Supreme Court in January 2026. Earlier searches targeted the property of his father, Ruben Flores, where investigators found soil disturbances, blood-type evidence, and used ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs. Prosecutors have maintained that Smart’s remains were initially buried on Ruben’s property and later moved, but no remains have ever been recovered.
Key Figures
- Kristin Smart – missing student.
- Paul Flores – convicted murderer, serving sentence at California State Prison, Corcoran.
- Susan Flores – mother, homeowner of the searched property.
- Ruben Flores – father, acquitted of accessory charges.
- Dan Dow – San Luis Obispo County District Attorney.
- Ian Parkinson – Sheriff of San Luis Obispo County.
- Chris Lambert – host of the “Your Own Backyard” podcast that has followed the case.
- Denise Smart – mother of the victim.
- John Segale – spokesperson for the Smart family.
Timeline
- May 1996 – Smart disappears.
- 2002 – Declared legally dead.
- 2021 – Flores arrested.
- Oct 2022 – Conviction.
- Mar 2023 – Sentencing.
- Jan 2026 – Supreme Court denies appeal.
- May 6, 2026 – Search warrant served at Susan Flores’ home.
Official Statements & Responses
The sheriff’s office reiterated its commitment to locating Smart’s remains and bringing her “home to her family.” District Attorney Dow emphasized that the DA’s Bureau of Investigation is assisting the search, that the office is using “every lawful tool” available, and that it remains coordinated with the sheriff’s office to fulfill a shared commitment to the Smart family.
On-the-Ground Reports
Deputies entered the property with forensic equipment, headlamps, and personal protective gear. Observers noted ground-scanning devices and radar crews moving around the yard and garage. The operation appeared low-profile, with no police tape surrounding the home.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors’ theory that Smart’s body was buried on Ruben Flores’ property and later relocated has not been corroborated by physical evidence. The current warrant targets Susan Flores’ residence, a site previously examined only in limited fashion. No arrests, discoveries, or forensic findings have been disclosed, leaving the location of Smart’s remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to bringing Kristin home to her family.” — San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office
- “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,” — District Attorney Dan Dow
- “Obviously, we’ve seen some movement, but they’ve been keeping it all pretty heavily under wraps,” — Chris Lambert, podcast host
- “We saw radar crew coming in and out with their ground scanning equipment.” — Chris Lambert
- “There’s no finality for us,” — Denise Smart, mother
- “: John Segale, spokesman for the Smart family, said they were made aware of the search this morning.” — John Segale, Smart family spokesman
Why It Matters
The renewed search underscores the enduring impact of an unsolved disappearance on a community and a family. It also highlights the role of independent investigators and true-crime media in sustaining public attention and generating new leads decades after the crime.
What’s Next
Law-enforcement officials say the investigation will continue, urging anyone with information to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers. No further details about the warrant’s focus have been released.
