Kristin Smart was a young, vibrant student who disappeared from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in May 1996. Her case remains one of the most high-profile and mysterious unsolved missing person cases in recent history.

On May 24, 1996, Smart attended an off-campus party with some friends. Witnesses reported seeing her walking back to her dormitory with a male student named Paul Flores. Smart was never seen or heard from again after that night. Her disappearance sparked a massive search and investigation that included searches of nearby creeks, roads, and fields, as well as interviews with numerous individuals.

Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, Smart's case went cold for many years. In 2002, however, the case received renewed attention when authorities searched Flores' home and found evidence linking him to the case. Despite this evidence, Flores has never been charged with Smart's disappearance or murder, and her body has never been found.

Over the years, there have been many theories about what happened to Smart. Some believe that Flores was involved in her disappearance, while others think that she may have been abducted by someone else. There have also been rumors of a potential cover-up by individuals with connections to the university.

Recently, the case has received renewed attention with the announcement of new evidence and charges against Flores. In April 2021, he was arrested and charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted rape in connection with Smart's disappearance. On March 10, 2023 Flores was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison. Paul Flores is “a cancer to society,” Monterey County Superior Court Judge Jennifer O’Keefe said. Flores also must register as a sex offender.