Paul Flores, the man who was found guilty of murdering 19-year-old Kristen Smart in 1996, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
The judge denied defense motions to overturn Flores’ conviction, acquit him, and order a new trial.
Flores was the last known person to see Smart alive and attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with her.
Despite intense searches in several locations, Smart’s body has never been found.
In 2011, newly elected Sheriff Ian Parkinson requested a review of the evidence in the cold case, which led to new leads being uncovered in late 2016.
Flores was found guilty of first-degree murder, while his father, Ruben Flores, was acquitted of being an accessory.
Under California law, Paul Flores will be eligible for parole in 15 years.
Despite the sentence, Smart’s parents expressed that the verdict does not bring closure, but rather relief that their daughter’s voice was heard.
