Paul Flores Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Murder of Kristin Smart
Paul Flores has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Kristin Smart in 1996.
The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Jennifer O’Keefe in a courtroom in Salinas, California.
The sentencing was preceded by several motions filed by Paul’s attorney, Paul Sanger, asking for an acquittal, overturning the conviction, and a new trial.
The judge overruled all of these motions.
During the hearing, victim impact statements were heard from Kristin’s family members, including her mother, Denise.
The judge called Paul Flores “a cancer on society for the past 27 years” and sentenced him to the maximum allowable under California law.
Kristin’s family members spoke of their relief that Paul Flores would never hurt another person and their continued grief over not being able to give Kristin a proper burial or remembrance.
While Paul Flores will be eligible for parole in about 15 years, he will not be eligible for probation.
The case has been ongoing for the last 26 years and updates can be found on the KSBY website.
