Kristin Smart case: Ruben & Paul Flores will stand trial in murder investigation
09/23/2021 12:04 pm PDT
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (TCD) -- A judge determined Wednesday that Ruben and Paul Flores will stand trial for the 1996 disappearance and murder of Kristin Smart.
According to the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office, Judge Craig van Rooyen there was "sufficient evidence" presented at the preliminary hearing to try Paul, 44, and Ruben, 80. San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow said in a statement, "We continue to support the family of Kristin Smart as we work toward justice."
Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested in April. The charging document alleges Paul, who was reportedly the last person to see Smart alive, killed Smart while either raping or attempting to rape her. Ruben was charged with accessory after the fact. The District Attorney alleges Ruben helped Paul hide Smart’s body.
According to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, a detective with the Sheriff’s Office reportedly obtained "biological evidence that makes them believe the victim was buried underneath [Ruben Flores’] deck at one time."
The Tribune reports the detective wrote in a report there was "damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved."
Paul and Ruben Flores will be arraigned October 20 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court.
MORE:
- Paul and Ruben Flores Held to Answer by Judge, trial dates will be set - San Luis Obispo District Attorney's Office
- Paul Flores and His Father Ruben Charged for 1996 Murder of Kristin Smart, 4/14/2021 - San Luis Obispo District Attorney's Office
- The People of the State of California vs. Paul Ruben Flores, Ruben Ricardo Flores
