SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (TCN) — Soil taken from the property of the mother of a convicted killer has tested positive for human remains, according to authorities.
On May 4, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson announced that a search warrant was executed at the home of Susan Flores. She is the mother of Paul Flores, who was convicted of the murder of 19-year-old college freshman Kristin Smart in 2022, KTLA reports. Prosecutors believe Paul Flores killed Smart after he attempted to sexually assault her in his dorm room.
Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life for the 1996 killing. Smart was last seen walking with Flores after a party near her college campus. She was reported missing and her remains have never been found. According to the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office, investigators said they had found what they called a “clandestine grave” under Paul Flores’ home that they believe might have housed Smart’s body at one time.
Parkinson said Smart’s body might have been moved several times over the years and that Susan Flores’ home has been on police radar for a long time. In his long-form podcast about the case, “Your Own Backyard,” host Chris Lambert reported that a neighbor heard a beeping from a watch alarm coming from a newly filled backyard planter on the property every morning, according to KTLA.
Susan Flores’ property has been searched in the past, but May 2026 is the first time it has been excavated, per KTLA. In a press conference, Parkinson said excavated dirt tested positive for compounds associated with human decomposition.
KRCA reports Parkinson said, “We are not leaving that house until we’re sure we’ve checked everything.” According to the outlet, Susan Flores has always been a person of interest in the case, but Parkinson said there is no lawful reason for her to be detained yet.
Smart’s family shared a statement, reported by KRCA, that reads, “We remain hopeful that this current search will be successful and look forward to the outcome. Our family greatly appreciates the efforts, dedication, and commitment of Sheriff Ian Parkinson, Detective Clint Cole, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department, and the technical experts assisting with the execution of this search. Finally, we continue to feel the tremendous support of the local community and all the people far beyond the Central Coast who provide us with great strength to continue this journey to bring Kristin home.”
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