State high court denies Paul Flores conviction review request
Decision leaves first-degree murder conviction in place
– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that the California Supreme Court has denied Paul Flores’ petition for review of his conviction for the 1996 murder of Kristin Smart.
Kristin Smart was a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman when she was reported missing in May 1996. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest and 2022 conviction of Paul Flores for first-degree murder. He was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in state prison in March 2023.
Flores earlier appealed his conviction to the Second District Court of Appeal. In October 2025, the Court of Appeal issued a written opinion that affirmed the October 2022 conviction. The jury trial was held in the Monterey County Superior Court due to a defense motion to change venue from San Luis Obispo County.
Here is a copy of the Court of Appeal’s Opinion.
“While we are very pleased that this decision brings a stronger sense of finality for all involved, we will always remember Kristin Smart and will continue to do all we can to honor the memory of her vibrant life,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “Our hearts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Smart and their entire family for all that they have endured for the last 30 years.”
