249\. The Haunting Murder of Kristin Smart
Murder With My Husband
Deep Dive
Why did the investigation into Kristin Smart's disappearance initially slow down?
The investigation slowed because it was Memorial Day weekend, and the campus police treated the case as if it were a minor incident, like a stolen bicycle, despite the urgency of a missing person case. They also initially wrote victim-blaming observations in their report, suggesting that Kristin's behavior might have contributed to her disappearance.
Why did Paul Flores' story to the police change so much during his initial interviews?
Paul Flores' story changed multiple times about how he got a black eye and scratches, suggesting he was lying. He initially claimed he woke up with them, then said it was from playing basketball, and finally said it was from working on his truck. These inconsistencies raised significant suspicion but did not lead to immediate arrest.
Why did the Smart family sue Paul Flores in a wrongful death civil lawsuit?
The Smart family sued Paul Flores because he was the primary suspect in Kristin's disappearance, and despite his obvious inconsistencies and suspicious behavior, the police had not made any significant progress in solving the case. They wanted to hold him accountable and gather more evidence.
Why did the police raid Paul Flores' home in San Pedro in 2020?
The police raided Paul Flores' home in San Pedro in 2020 because of the renewed interest and tips generated by Chris Lambert's podcast, 'Your Own Backyard.' The podcast had reignited conversations and brought forth new witnesses and evidence.
Why was Jennifer Hudson's testimony pivotal in the trial?
Jennifer Hudson's testimony was pivotal because she claimed that Paul Flores confessed to her about the murder of Kristin Smart. He told her that he had put Kristin under a skate ramp at his parents' house, which provided a direct link to the crime.
Why did the police search Ruben Flores' house multiple times over the years?
The police searched Ruben Flores' house multiple times because they suspected his involvement in the crime, particularly after a neighbor reported seeing him and Susan Flores doing something under the deck after an initial police search. The searches in 2020 and 2021 uncovered soil samples with biological evidence and a four-foot-deep hole, suggesting a cover-up.
Why did Paul Flores' father, Ruben, not face charges after the initial 1996 search?
Paul Flores' father, Ruben, was not charged after the initial 1996 search because the police did not bring cadaver dogs or a forensic team to the search. They also did not search Susan's house, where an earring matching Kristin's was later found, and did not collect or file the earring as evidence.
Why did Paul Flores continue to hit on and assault women even after being a suspect in Kristin Smart's disappearance?
Paul Flores continued to hit on and assault women even after being a suspect because he felt he could get away with it. He had a history of inappropriate and abusive behavior, and the lack of immediate consequences for his role in Kristin's disappearance emboldened him to continue.
Why did Chris Lambert's podcast play a crucial role in solving the Kristin Smart case?
Chris Lambert's podcast, 'Your Own Backyard,' played a crucial role by reigniting interest in the case, bringing forth new witnesses and evidence, and exposing the failures of the initial investigation. The podcast's success and the tips it generated led to the arrest of Paul Flores and the discovery of new evidence.
Why is the case still considered a 'no body case' even after the trial and conviction?
The case is still considered a 'no body case' because Kristen Smart's body has never been found. Despite the conviction of Paul Flores, the exact location of her remains remains unknown, which is a source of ongoing pain for her family.
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