California Supreme Court denies Paul Flores' appeal in Kristin Smart murder

Thursday, January 15, 2026
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Paul Flores, the man convicted of the 1996 murder of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, has been denied a petition for review.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney announced the decision on Wednesday.

Flores appealed his conviction to the Second District Court of Appeal.

But last year, a judge issued a written opinion affirming that conviction.

Flores is currently serving 25 years to life in prison in Corcoran.


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