Human Remains Discovered in "Smart Case" Investigation

Kristin Smart Case: Possible Human Remains Found Authorities investigating the 1996 disappearance of California college student Kristin Smart have identified evidence of possible human remains at a property linked to the case. On Friday, May 8, 2026, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office announced that soil tests conducted at the Arroyo Grande home of Susan Flores, mother of convicted murderer Paul Flores, indicated the presence of human remains at some point.

The search, which began two days prior, utilized ground-penetrating radar and involved collecting soil samples.

Despite the findings, Sheriff Ian Parkinson stated that Smart's remains have not yet been recovered. Investigators are continuing their methodical search at the property, which is owned by Susan Flores, who has not been accused of any crimes but remains a person of interest.

Paul Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022, but Smart's body was never found. Prosecutors had previously alleged that Paul Flores buried Smart under a deck at his father's home, where archaeologists found a soil disturbance and traces of human blood, though DNA was too degraded for identification.

The ongoing search aims to locate Smart's remains, who was declared legally dead in 2002 asourceser vanishing on May 25, 1996, at age 19. The investigation continues to pursue all potential leads at the site, with authorities committed to remaining until all evidence is collected or Smart is found.