The mystery of where Kristin Smart‘s body has been hidden for over two decades is one step closer to being solved. Smart who attended California Polytechnic State University and disappeared in 1996, was allegedly buried beneath the deck of Ruben Flores, the father of Paul Flores, the prime suspect in her murder.
In newly discovered court documents, which were accidentally made public, authorities shared with the court they believe Smart’s body had “recently” been moved.
Paul Flores and Ruben Flores Have Been Charged in Connection with the Abduction and Murder of Kristen Smart Among Other Potential Crimes.
The court documents were regarding bail reduction and filed by a prosecutor the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported after having obtained them. The papers detail arguments against bail reduction and the release of both Paul Flores and Ruben Flores.
Although the court did confirm to the outlet that the documents were authentic, they were not released voluntarily. The documents were “inadvertently accessed” and “not supposed to be made public,” Nikki Rodriguez, spokesperson for the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, told CNN.
RELATED: Kristin Smart’s Former Classmate and His Father Arrested in Connection with Her 1996 Disappearance
Smart disappeared from the university she attended 25 years ago. Paul Flores has maintained since then that he was the last person to see the victim alive. Paul was arrested last month and charged with murder even though Smart’s body has yet to be found. His father was also arrested and charged with helping his son bury the dead body.
Both men pleaded not guilty Monday to the charges of first-degree murder and accessory to a crime. They both had been held in jail since their arrests on the morning of April 13. Paul Flores is being held without bail. Ruben Flores posted bail late Wednesday, according to his lawyer, Harold Mesick, CNN reports.
On Wednesday, San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Craig van Rooyen lowered Ruben Flores’ bail from $250,000 to $50,000 which the accused turned over, along with his passport. He was made to wear an ankle monitor and has been ordered to stay within county limits.
It’s not just murder that Ruben’s son stands accused prosecutors now believe he committed further crimes against the victim.
Prosecutors Allege that Paul Flores Is a ‘Serial Rapist’ which Is a New Accusation Also Made Public for the First Time.
A detective with the sheriff’s office in the case stated that investigators are “in possession of biological evidence that makes them believe the victim was buried underneath the defendant’s deck at one time.”
“Dozens of women have recounted Paul Flores’ sexual assaults and predatory behavior that document his twenty-five years as a serial rapist,” Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle wrote in the report.
Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed last week Paul Flores is under investigation for sexual assaults in Los Angeles County and police have submitted two cases to the LA County District Attorney’s Office, the LA Times reports.
“The Court would be putting a serial rapist back on the streets and leave him free to victimize additional women,” the prosecutor argued against potential release on bail.
A judge ordered Paul Flores would be held without bail on Monday.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Madeleine McCann Suspect Claims He Had Nothing to Do With Her Disappearance, But an Old Friend Says He Admitted to Being There
Although Ruben was released from jail, prosecutors argued that “The excavation below his deck… showed damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location then recently moved.”
The prosecutor claimed it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores knows where Smart’s remains are, and proposed that if released on bail, Flores could “use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart the prosecution in this case and continue to hide her remains.”
Due to a protective order, prosecutors could not comment further on the case.
Contents
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.