Kristin Smart's final steps: The chilling map of missed clues that haunted a campus and her family
The last person seen with her was Paul Flores, a fellow freshman at California Polytechnic University, who was a serial loner with a long and disturbing history of leering, stalking and groping women.
Law enforcement's theory was that Flores murdered Smart during an attempted rape on the night of the party, then buried her body somewhere nearby. But a series of crucial mistakes made early in the investigation saw the case falter.
For years, Kristin's trail went cold. Then, in 2022, Flores was finally charged and later convicted of her murder.
But for Kristin's family, justice has only been half-served, for her body has still not been found almost 30 years on.
In the latest episode of Daily Mail's Murder Maps series, Senior Reporter Luke Kenton forensically examines Kristin's case and sets out the damning trail of missed opportunities, overlooked evidence, and red flags ignored for decades.
From Flores' shifting alibis and a black eye he couldn't explain, to cadaver dogs alerting on his mattress and suspicious activity beneath his father's deck - the clues were there all along.
So how did it take more than two decades to bring Kristin's suspected killer to justice?
And with Paul Flores now behind bars, will her family ever get the answers - and the closure - they've waited so long for?
In this new episode, now streaming on YouTube, Kenton maps out Kristin's tragic story from her birth in Germany to her puzzling disappearance that left the vibrant college town of San Luis Obispo shaken - and a family forever fractured.
He also explores the long shadow the case continues to cast today, and the unanswered questions that still hang over one of California's most haunting unsolved mysteries.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Naughties rap star arrested for gun possession
Rapper Soulja Boy was arrested in Los Angeles early Sunday in connection with a weapons charge, after police pulled over a vehicle he was riding in. The 35-year-old rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested in connection with suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, the Los Angeles Police Department told TMZ. The traffic stop involving the Crank That (Soulja Boy) artist took place at around 2:30 a.m. on Melrose Avenue, LAPD officials told NBCLA. Police told TMZ that 'officers spotted a firearm in' the vehicle the Turn My Swag On performer had been in. It was not immediately clear why the vehicle the Yahhh! artist was riding in was initially pulled over. Daily Mail has reached out to the LAPD for further comment on the story. The rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested in connection with suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm Soulja Boy previously took to Instagram Stories Saturday sharing a series of clips documenting a busy weekend following his 35th birthday, which was last Monday. Soulja Boy included frames of his trip to his SODMG Brand clothing store off Melrose Avenue, the LA shopping thoroughfare where he was arrested early Sunday. Among the Stories clips included a promotional picture for a party at the Hollywood, California nightclub Poppy in honor of his recent birthday celebration. Soulja Boy, who was past involved with Blac Chyna, captioned the shot, 'Who's sliding with me?' Soulja Boy, who has past clashed with Kanye West, also shared footage from inside his SODMG Brand studios. Inside, the studio was decorated with a plaque commemorating 23,000,000 streams on Spotify and another boasting over 1 billion streams on seperate platform. 'I don't need no security,' Soulja Boy said in another frame which appeared to be from the nightclub, where was surrounded by dozens of partygoers celebrating in his honor. At the club, the DJ played Soulja Boy's 2007 hit Kiss Me thru the Phone, which he sang along with on the microphone, with a hand rolled cigarette in his fingers. Eight months into 2025, it's safe to say the Speakers Going Hammer rapper has had a challenging year. In April, a Los Angeles court ordered him to pay $4 million in compensatory damages in connection with a sexual assault case he was involved in amid allegations from an ex-assistant. Soulja Boy told Rolling Stone at the time of the court decision that he has never been 'charged or convicted of this, criminally,' in reference to sexual assault. 'The district attorney never filed charges,' he said. 'So, to be accused of this civilly is beyond me. I've never done any of the things they're accusing me of. I just feel like this is very unfair.' He later told the publication in a statement: 'I want to make it clear that I'm innocent. This case was never about justice. 'It was about money and personal gain, and I will not let that stand. I am committed to filing an appeal and fighting for the truth to be revealed.'
Reuters
36 minutes ago
- Reuters
Coleman defends Richardson after reported arrest
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Christian Coleman defended fellow sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson after she was reportedly arrested for pushing Coleman, saying on Sunday that she was a "great person". Reigning 100 metres world champion Richardson was arrested for domestic violence at a Seattle airport ahead of the U.S. Track & Field Championships, USA TODAY Sports reported on Friday. According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the 25-year-old, who won Olympic silver in the 100 at the Paris Games, allegedly pushed Coleman, who then fell into a nearby column after an argument. Richardson was detained on the evening of July 27 and released the following day, USA TODAY Sports reported. "For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round. I don't feel like she should have been arrested. I mean people have discussions and emotions and stuff like that," 2019 world 100m champion Coleman told reporters at the Championships in Eugene, Oregon. "She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I, so do you, so does everybody. But I'm the type of guy who's in the business of extending grace, and mercy and love... "She's a human being and a great person. To me she's the best female athlete in the world. I see it every day." Port of Seattle Police Department and Richardson's agent did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Richardson withdrew from the 100 semi-finals in Eugene, Oregon on Friday after participating in Thursday's heats, before failing to qualify for the 200m final on Sunday. She is guaranteed a spot in the 100 at the world championships in Tokyo next month due to her win at Budapest in 2023.
Times
37 minutes ago
- Times
My teenage daughter talks in therapy speak all the time
Q. I'm struggling with how to parent my 17-year-old daughter. She's started accusing me of being 'toxic', 'emotionally manipulative' and even 'gaslighting' her. These are big words with big meanings and they come out in heated moments — when I ask about her plans, offer advice or challenge her on things like school or screen time. I've always tried to be a loving, involved parent. We've had our clashes, like any mum and teenage daughter, but this feels different. The words she uses come straight from therapy speak online and it's as if she's diagnosing me with something every time we argue. I feel silenced; anything I say could be used against me. I've also become anxious about setting any boundaries with her, especially since a close friend of mine has been completely cut off by her daughter. I'm terrified the same thing could happen to me.
