Search concludes at Susan Flores Property in Kristin Smart investigation

By Camille DeVaul · Sun May 10 2026

After four days in Arroyo Grande, investigators say no remains were recovered, though evidence gathered during the search will continue to be analyzed

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — After four days, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office has concluded its search of the property belonging to Susan Flores in the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande.

Susan is the mother of Paul Flores, who is currently serving time for the murder of Kristin Smart back in 1996. Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman, was reported missing in May 1996. After a 25-year investigation, Flores was arrested in 2021 and convicted of first-degree murder in October 2022. He was sentenced in March 2023 to 25 years to life in state prison.

The Sheriff’s Office added that investigators did not recover the remains of Kristin Smart. However, officials said any evidence collected during the search will be evaluated as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials said, "The Sheriff's Office remains fully committed to finding Kristin and bringing her home to her family."

They also added that no further information is available at this time and that the Sheriff's Office "will not be making any additional comments or providing any further updates regarding this investigation."

Paso Robles Press spoke with the host and founder of the "Your Own Backyard" podcast following the Sheriff's announcement of the search's conclusion.

He provided the following statement: “I’m waiting to learn the full extent of the areas that were searched and the methods that were used before I draw any conclusions about this newest effort. This location was important, but I don’t believe it was the end of the road for this investigation.”

Feature Image by Camille DeVaul