Deep Dive
Why was Paul Flores considered the primary suspect in Kristen Smart's disappearance?
Paul Flores was the last person seen with Kristen Smart after a frat party where she was heavily intoxicated. He claimed he walked her partway to her dorm but left her to walk the rest alone. Additionally, he had a history of inappropriate behavior with intoxicated women at parties, earning him the nickname 'Chester the Molester.'
What forensic evidence linked Paul Flores to Kristen Smart's disappearance?
Cadaver dogs alerted to the scent of human remains in Paul Flores' dorm room and under the deck of his father's property. Soil samples from his father's property also tested positive for human blood, though no DNA profile could be extracted to confirm it was Kristen's.
Why was the case against Paul Flores challenging despite the forensic evidence?
The case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and forensic findings like soil samples and cadaver dog alerts, but no body or direct DNA evidence was found. This made it difficult to conclusively prove Paul Flores' involvement in Kristen Smart's murder.
What was the outcome of the trial against Paul Flores and his father?
Paul Flores was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. His father, Ruben Flores, was acquitted of being an accessory after the fact, as the jury could not agree on his involvement.
How did Kristen Smart's case impact campus security policies?
The case led to the creation of the Campus Security Act in 1998, which requires public colleges to coordinate with local police departments to report crimes involving students, including missing persons cases, to ensure a quicker and more effective response.
What role did podcasts play in reviving interest in Kristen Smart's case?
A podcast by freelance journalist Chris Lampert in 2019 brought renewed attention to the case, generating public pressure and prompting law enforcement to take further action. The podcast quickly gained widespread popularity, with over 75,000 daily streams.
- Kristen Smart disappeared after a party.
- Paul Flores was the last person to see her.
- Flores gave inconsistent statements to the police.