California authorities say Kristin Smart's remains weren't found at search of home

"Authorities in California said Saturday they didn't find the remains of Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student who went missing in 1996, after finishing their search of a home tied to the man convicted of killing her. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office said they completed a search of Susan Flores' property in the central coast town of Arroyo Grande more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. Her son, Paul Flores, was convicted in 2022 of killing Smart, whose body has never been found."

"This week, authorities said evidence suggested human remains were present at the home and scientists specializing in human decomposition and soil took samples from the ground. Authorities declined to provide additional information Saturday. "The Sheriff's Office remains fully committed to finding Kristin and bringing her home to her family," the sheriff's office said in a press release."

"Smart went missing from California Polytechnic State University in May 1996. Prosecutors alleged she was killed during an attempted rape and that the last person she was seen with was Paul Flores, a fellow student. She was declared legally dead in 2002. Flores was convicted in October 2022 of Smart's murder and sentenced the following year to 25 years to life in prison."

Authorities in California completed a search of Susan Flores’ property in Arroyo Grande and did not find the remains of Kristin Smart. The search followed earlier evidence suggesting human remains were present at the home, leading scientists specializing in human decomposition and soil to take ground samples. Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old college student, disappeared in May 1996 after last being seen with Paul Flores, a fellow student. Prosecutors alleged she was killed during an attempted rape. Smart was declared legally dead in 2002. Paul Flores was convicted in October 2022 and sentenced the next year to 25 years to life in prison. Authorities said they remained committed to finding Smart and returning her to her family.

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