Paul Flores Seeks New Counsel in Kristin Smart Murder Case

Paul Flores, convicted of murdering Kristin Smart in 1996, is seeking new legal representation for the restitution phase of his case. Flores, who was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison last October, is requesting Harold Mesick, the attorney who successfully defended his father, Ruben Flores, during their joint trial. This development comes as Robert Sanger, Flores’ original attorney, is reportedly off the case, at least temporarily.

Paul Flores’ booking photo from 2022. (Monterey County Jail)

The upcoming hearing in Monterey County Superior Court will focus solely on the appointment of new counsel. A separate hearing will be scheduled later to address the restitution determination. Restitution hearings are mandatory in all criminal cases in California.

The Kristin Smart Case: A 25-Year Journey to Justice

Kristin Smart, a freshman at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), disappeared over Memorial Day weekend in 1996 after attending an off-campus party. Paul Flores quickly became a person of interest, but it took nearly 25 years for him to be arrested and charged with her murder.

The highly publicized trial, which took place in Monterey County from July to October 2022, involved dual juries – one for Paul and one for his father, Ruben. Ruben Flores was charged as an accessory after the fact, accused of helping his son conceal Smart’s body. While both men sat side-by-side throughout the trial, they were judged separately. Paul Flores was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. Judge Jennifer O’Keefe described him as “a cancer to society.” Ruben Flores was acquitted.

Kristin Smart, the Cal Poly student who disappeared in 1996. (FBI via AP, File)

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The Search for Kristin Smart’s Remains

Despite extensive searches of Ruben Flores’ Arroyo Grande property in 2020 and 2021, Kristin Smart’s remains have yet to be discovered. Testimony during the trial suggested that she was, at one point, buried beneath the deck of the house. The ongoing search for her remains continues to be a focal point for law enforcement and Smart’s family.

Paul Flores’ Appeal and Current Incarceration

In April 2023, Sanger filed a notice of appeal on behalf of Paul Flores, requesting a court-appointed attorney for the appeal process. Flores has been incarcerated since his arrest in April 2021. He was transferred to North Kern State Prison on March 30, 2023, and is expected to be moved to a more permanent facility in the future.

The Restitution Hearing and New Legal Representation

The upcoming hearing regarding Flores’ new legal representation marks a significant development in the case. Harold Mesick, who previously represented Ruben Flores, is now poised to represent Paul Flores during the restitution phase. This phase of the legal process aims to determine the financial compensation owed to the victim’s family. The specific details of the restitution sought by the Smart family have not yet been publicly disclosed.

The Ongoing Impact of the Kristin Smart Case

The Kristin Smart case has captivated national attention for decades, highlighting the complexities of missing person cases and the challenges faced by families seeking justice. The case continues to resonate, underscoring the importance of ongoing investigations, advancements in forensic science, and the tireless pursuit of truth.

Conclusion: Seeking Closure and Accountability

While the conviction of Paul Flores brought a measure of justice to the Smart family, the absence of Kristin’s remains and the ongoing legal proceedings serve as a stark reminder of the enduring pain and unanswered questions that remain. The upcoming restitution hearing, with the addition of new legal representation for Flores, represents the next chapter in this long and complex saga. The pursuit of full accountability and the hope of finally bringing Kristin Smart home continue to drive the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, the legal system, and the Smart family.