A preliminary hearing for Paul and Ruben Flores in the 1996 disappearance and death of Kristin Smart began yesterday — providing insight into the Cal Poly freshman’s life before she went missing 25 years ago. The preliminary hearing is expected to last about 12 days and will determine whether there is enough evidence to take […]
Tag: kristin smart
Preliminary hearing in Kristin Smart case starts today. Catch up with the latest “Your Own Backyard” episodes
Content warning: This article discusses multiple forms of trauma, including rape. Survivors of such violence can access virtual confidential services through Cal Poly Safer’s website. Ahead of a preliminary hearing starting today, popular podcast “Your Own Backyard,” released a two-part episode this month detailing the criminalizing allegations against Paul and Ruben Flores in the Kristin Smart case. […]
25-years later, San Luis Obispo community honors Kristin Smart’s memory with a walk
A crowd of about 200 people gathered at the intersection of Crandall Way and Foothill Boulevard the evening of May 25 to honor the 25th anniversary of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart’s disappearance. Many people wore purple to show support and spread awareness of her story and walk the route Smart is believed to have […]
Students to host walk in honor of Kristin Smart
Following the recent trial about the Kristin Smart murder, students are hosting a walk to raise awareness about Kristin Smart’s story May 25th, at 6:30 p.m. on the corner of Foothill Blvd and Crandall Way, and end at the corner of Grand Avenue and Perimeter Road, according to the Facebook event. The event will be following COVID-19 guidelines, and all participants must wear a mask.
Attorneys with big histories: Who’s taking on the Kristin Smart case?
Last month, Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested for their connection to the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. District Attorney Dan Dow charged Paul Flores with first degree murder and Ruben Flores with accessory after the fact. Court proceedings have already begun. Each lawyer in this case has an extensive background in […]
Teaching to inspire: How a Cal Poly alumna connects students to the Kristin Smart case
Tracy Ruiz chose to attend Cal Poly in 1991 because it was close to the beach and she thought it was safe. After Kristin Smart went missing in 1996, however, Ruiz realized her alma mater could be dangerous for women. Now that Ruiz is a teacher, she wants to pass on critical thinking skills to […]
CBS’ “48 Hours” reports new developments in Kristin Smart case
On Saturday, CBS aired a revised version of their “48 Hours” episode, “The Disappearance of Kristin Smart,” to incorporate recent developments in the case — including the arrest of Paul Flores, the whereabouts of Smart’s body and Flores’ history of sexual assault. It also included footage from press conferences held by the Sheriff’s and District […]
SLO County Court decreases Ruben Flores’ bail
The San Luis Obispo County Court on Wednesday, April 21 lowered bail by $200,000 with bail bond conditions for Ruben Flores, who is accused of accessory after the fact for the 1996 murder of Kristin Smart. Judge Craig Van Rooyen set Flores’ bail to $50,000 upon defense attorney Harold Mesick’s request to change the initial […]
Paul Flores pleads not guilty for Kristin Smart’s murder
Paul and Ruben Flores pled not guilty to their charges in the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart case at their court appearance today, April 19. This comes nearly a week after the father and son were arrested. Paul, 44, is being charged with first degree murder, allegedly causing Smart’s death in the […]
Paul and Ruben Flores to appear in court again Monday
After being arrested and charged for their involvement in Kristin Smart’s disappearance and death, Paul and Ruben Flores appeared in court for their arraignment today, April 15. District Attorney Dan Dow charged Paul with first-degree murder and Ruben with accessory to the murder after the fact. Both men appeared before Superior Court Judge Craig Van […]
Letter to the Editor: 25 years ago, Kristin Smart disappeared. Female students still feel unsafe
Michelle Mueller is a history freshman. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang News. Dear President Jeffrey Armstrong, It is nearing 25 years since Kristin Smart’s disappearance on Cal Poly’s campus. As did many others, I felt a sense of relief but also heartache for Smart and her family after hearing that […]
