The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office is searching the yard of Ruben Flores's home, located in the 700 block of White Ct. in Arroyo Grande. We also are reaching out to the Smart family to see if this is something they are okay with, Hunt-Burns said. Set up in the backyard this morning, close to the deck with lattice running along the edge, are two blue "pop-up" tents. All Gardenista storiesfrom garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Im fine. 128 and even without the mattress alerted on the left side of the room. It indicated a strong possibility that a deceased body had been in that room., Tse quoted Flores to police as saying, Yes, I killed her and brought her to my moms and she is still there.. He said they began to backfill the hole with dug-up dirt and poured concrete to form a slab. Crime and Courts Lawsuit: Ruben Flores relocated. They started with the home of Pauls father, Ruben Flores. 128 in Santa Lucia Hall. The missing Cal Poly student was happy, energetic and always smiling, Kristin Smart timeline:24 years from the Cal Poly student's disappearance to a suspect's arrest. Lambert has been overwhelmed with messages from fans, tipsters and news reporters. Flores is the mother of the only person of interest ever named by authorities in the case, Paul Flores. A group of students rousted her awake. So we have soil analysis to back up Buster.. And so that has been searched a couple of times and we did notthere was nothing of an evidentiary nature that we were able to discover there. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Officials say the search warrant is sealed and no other information on the "active and ongoing investigation" will be released at this time. But campaigners for the Smart family who say "just dig up the backyard" believe the investigation into Kristin's disappearance, initially handled by Cal Poly campus police, was botched from the start. But, according to Schafers report, sheriffs deputies discounted the cadaver dogs interest in a corner of the backyard at the residence because they believed, at the time, Paul Flores mother, Susan Flores, did not reside there. searches a vehicle during an investigation outside of a home in connection with the disappearance of Kristin Smart. There were trees in the yards all around, so we got something smaller. Acer palmatum Sango Kaku has coral bark; $15 from Kigi Nursery. On why they havent returned to Susan Floress property, sheriffs spokesman Tony Cipolla said the search has run dry there. Over the years, Susan Flores's backyard has been the focus of widespread speculation because of stories like the ones Mary Lassiter told Chris Lambert. Bluestone Pavers (L), are $8.99 to $9.99 (depending on size), from DFM. My friend Candace introduced us, Denise Smart tells Rolling Stone over email. Its the easiest thing in the world compared to this.. After apparently becoming very intoxicated, Smart was accompanied back to her dorm by fellow partiers Tim Davis and Cheryl Anderson. She said, He knows a lot about Kristin, and I thought, Thats nice. We later went to dinner and I was immediately struck by his respectful and understated presence. Lambert has developed a close relationship with the Smart family, who issued an effusive statement praising his skills and unselfish dedication.. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. When investigators asked where, he said I have to clean up some stuff. She created the low-maintenance scheme a few years ago for a Brooklyn couple whose townhouse had a typical rectangular backyard (20 feet wide by 36 feet deep). The bloody earring, the dogs alerting to human decomposition, the alarm clock of the watch. For more than two decades, a billboard featuring a photo of a grinning Smart advertised a $75,000 reward. It did produce some information that I believe was valuable.. Susan Flores, ex-wife of Ruben Flores, and current boyfriend McConville have not been charged. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. : Thank u so much my dear friends for your lovely.. Here's what we know. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I felt bad for him.. All Rights reserved. Atascadero News Magazine Lambert has been thrust into the spotlight with the arrests. I cant step away from it for more than a few days, Lambert said. Here's what we know, His eight-part series, Your Own Backyard, Kristin Smarts alleged killer, Paul Flores, arrested. A scan with ground-penetrating radar of Susan Flores' backyard produced one anomalous reading under a . Perhaps Kristin's body was there initially and her belongings were buried there. Her anguished parents Stan and Denise said in a recent statement their hopes are tempered but endorse the dedicated effort to track down their missing daughter and wish the person of interest will soon be held accountable for taking her life and harboring her remains for over 20 years.. His eight-part series, Your Own Backyard, hit 7.5 million downloads Thursday and it was the No. Lamberts digging finally yielded results on a 2019 visit a memorial to Smart on Shell Beach on her birthday, February 20th. The bloody earring, the dogs alerting to human decomposition, the alarm clock of the watch. Time slogged on and Flores was never charged. It has been suspected that Smarts body may be buried at one of the parents homes in Arroyo Grande. His father, Ruben Flores, 80, was charged as an accessory after authorities said he helped hide the body, which has never been located. And Ive learned that you can miss a person you never even got to meet.. Flores himself even abruptly attempted to cut short an interview with San Luis Obispo County prosecutors to attend to a concrete project at 4 p.m. of June 19, 1996. If Dostie and Vass could get a chance to return to Susan Floress backyard they could accomplish all they need to do by drilling a few holes. To unify the space on a budget, work with whats already there. Flores is the . Daniel Saligan Patricio was arrested Monday after a three-month investigation. Flores and his parents have always maintained his innocence, invoking the Fifth Amendment when the DAs office subpoenaed him to testify before a grand jury in 1996. Smart was declared dead in 2002. Its very easy to see Kristin in our daughters, sisters and cousins, Hunt-Burns said. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. A member of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Dept. As a result, no further details were released. An ex-FBI agent, neighbors, and a world-renowned dog believe Kristin Smart is under a concrete slab poured by the last man to see her alive. Above: In the back corner, Welti planted a Japanese maple for the clients. They were at her house looking for evidence regarding the disappearance and probable murder of Kristin Smart committed, allegedly, by Paul Flores. Have a good day, he said. Paul Flores was last seen with missing Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in May of 1996 and has been a person of interest over the years. [The billboard is] a reminder that theyve never found her. He told a campus officer that he and Smart separated near the Santa Lucia Hall dormitory, and that he hadnt seen her since. Stay current with the latest posts from Gardenista each day in their entirety. Paso Robles Press Send us a tip using our anonymous form. She said Lambert never contacted her. Im good, he said. A common dilemma after you renovate a house? Get excerpts of the latest Gardenista content delivered each morning. I asked if I could talk to [them] And [one of them] turned out to be Kristins mom, [Denise] Lambert says. The results after the search were inconclusive. Bowen said in a phone interview that he first just kind of threw (the idea of buying the home) out there to see what people think and received an outpouring of responses. The family accused Cal Polys campus police of being grossly negligent in the performance of their duties because critical evidence pertaining to the investigation to the murder of Kristin Smart was irretrievably lost and valuable evidence was destroyed., A university spokesman refused to discuss any further details related to the Smart case while the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office excavation/investigation is ongoing., Before Flores was suspected in Smarts disappearance, he was accused of stalking another female on campus. For more than two decades, her family, friends, and supporters searched for answers and for justice. Paul Flores lawyer has declined to comment on the criminal charge. (N.B. Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she was last seen on May 25, 1996, walking home from a party with Paul Flores toward the San Luis Obispo universitys dorms. He stood at his kitchen sink watching Flores and a friend labor at night digging and pouring concrete not more than 100 feet away. I do recognize its a bit of a crazy idea, but sometimes crazy ideas work.. Lambert passed it many times and it ultimately motivated him to start investigating. Flores rolled up the car window and reversed. They then introduced Lambert to her daughters friends and high school classmates for further interviews. The reason this garden works so well is symmetry, says landscape designer Susan Welti of Foras Studio. The other location in Califonia was at Paul Flores residence in San Pedro, and the fourth location at the sisters home in Washinton State. He is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley and is originally from Ojai. SLO County property owners face hefty costs after hosting weddings, events. Flores has continued to be a person of interest throughout the 23-year investigation but has never been charged for a crime related to the case. There is no certification for grave detection. Serial helped a convicted murderer initially win an order for a new trial in Maryland, though higher courts overruled that decision. The following month prosecutors interviewed Flores again. UPDATE (9:20 a.m.) - An older-model Volkswagen was being towed from the home of Ruben Flores after cadaver dogs searched the vehicle. Of course, hes hoping that when he signs on again, Smarts body will be found and an arrest will be made at which time he plans to celebrate with the family hes grown so close to. This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2012. Why did not police take a closer look after they found evidence in Ruben' yard? The garden has withstood the test of timeand long been one of our favorites (we first spotted it in Domino Magazine)so we asked Welti to tell us how you can adapt it for your space. On May 31, 1996, investigators from the San Luis Obispo District Attorneys Office asked Flores about cuts on his knees and a bruise under his right eye. Shovels and orange buckets are at the scene as well. So far in 2020, five search warrants have been served in the investigation into Smarts disappearance. Eight Women Say the Same Man Raped or Assaulted Them. A beaded turquoise earring was discovered by a renter of the residence named Mary Lassiter when she was washing her car in October 1996. The podcast that Chris put together is very well done, Sheriff Ian Parkinson said in a recent interview with KVEC 920AM. Heres the murder suspect charged in the Kristin Smart case, Man accused of killing SLO couple in crash released with ankle monitor, Paso Robles winery shut down after operating without an alcohol license for 3 years, Native American tribe wants to reclaim 9,000 acres of Diablo Canyon land: Weve been waiting. We were playing in the front yard and he just collapsed, Dostie said through tears, remembering how he held his head till he took his final breath. Why are there no answers? So, I started researching it.. His father, Ruben Flores, 80, was charged as an accessory. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. He parked the car again and exited. Chris Lambert has spent most of his life in Central California haunted by a billboard. Anderson also told investigators that fellow students called the 19-year-old man Chester the Molester.. Above: For the beds, Welti chose plantsboxwood clipped into balls, Solomons seal, Russian sage, Mexican feather grass, and hydrangeas that would co-exist harmoniously and stand up to heat. Heres why, Judge sentences SLO County man who sexually abused children to 435 years in prison, Atascadero city manager is retiring after 26 years with city: A tremendous asset, Residents of SLO County Safe Parking site react to news of closure: Its a bad idea. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVINGThe definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. $358,500 4-beds 2-baths. Mann found broken pieces of cement he understood were placed there by Ruben Flores [Pauls father] and Paul Flores about the time Kristin Smart disappeared., Mann informed San Luis Obispo sheriffs deputies of a backfill of some kind and looks to be man made and believes he discovered some anomalies on the west side of the backyard but told authorities he was 80 to 90 percent sure that his conclusion that the anomaly he discovered were a natural excavation or erosion.. . Flores said he left Smart at her room at Muir Hall before crashing at his room in nearby Santa Lucia Hall. Ideas to update and improve your outdoor space with hardscaping elements. Sure, he wanted to see what was happening at the Flores house, but he didnt want to have to talk to anyone at least not without the shield of his podcasting gear. A red Butterfly Chair, made to the specifications of the original BFK, is $350 from Circa 50. In the end it shouldnt be about showmanship or who gets the credit. I decided to go up there with my microphone and just see if anybody showed up to remember her that day, so I could interview them, he says. The teen admitted hed lied about the black eye because the warrant states he claims to have struck his face on a steering wheel while working on his truck on May 27, 1996.. A year later Susan Floress Arroyo Grande property was visited by sheriffs and this time they utilized ground-penetrating radar technology to look underground. The student had to call both the police and the Smarts in order to raise the alarm. I cannot wait to get back to just writing songs, he says. Flores refused to weigh in on the feds search for Smarts remains. A missing persons report was produced on May 28, 1996, and in it Smarts roommate noticed that none of her belongingsID, toiletries, or clothinghad been missing from her dorm. All rights reserved. I would love to see this happen. Gardenistas members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Flores was first interviewed by Cal Poly police investigators Ray Barrett and Mike Kennedy at the end of May 1996, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune; he was also interviewed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office. We appreciate the vigilance and professionalism of Sheriff Ian Parkinson and his department and our family looks forward to learning more in the hours and days ahead.. We collected the soil samples and ran them and Im sure we found evidence of human decomposition, he said, referring to chemical compounds such as carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and pentanal emitted by human decomposition. All you need to do is drill a hole down to the concrete, down to the ground below and plant it and take a soil sample. This obviously gave law enforcement new leads to follow and connect with what they already were holding close.. What if we bought the house for sale next door to (Susan Flores) and turned it into the Kristin Smart memorial museum, and research center for missing people? Shops, hotels, restaurants and points of interest for the home and garden obsessed on the go. Sheriff's officials said that arrest came as a result of information obtained during searches of his San Pedro home in February and April of 2020, when investigators were reportedly looking for items of interest in the Smart case. The house is selling for $700,000, we have over 29,000 members in this group. I believe Kristin Smart is deceased and that her death and/or disposal of her remains are a result of a criminal act, Schafer concluded. The sun-bleached sign features a photo of smiling Cal Poly student Kristin Smart and the promise of a $75,000 reward for her recovery. During the weekend of June 29th, a team of cadaver dogs went wild in Flores old dorm room, signaling the smell of human decay. According to reports, the Cabriolet was of interest to the parents of Kristin Smart and was never looked at. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. LOS ANGELES Scores of sheriffs deputies and federal agents dug up dirt at three sites at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University last week, looking for the body of Kristin Smart. At least they could have before the 12-year-old cadaver dog passed away this February. Thats been the best part of all of this: just forming a real friendship with the family, he says. Above: Vintage butterfly chairs belonged to the clients, a graphic designer and an architect. Delivered Wednesdays. On May 30, 1996, campus investigators Ray Barrett and Mike Kennedy interviewed Flores at their office and the first of several searches for the missing student was conducted on campus. Shortly before, Susan's boyfriend could be seen driving by the area as well. Who was Kristin Smart? Susan . Today, day two, at the fathers home, after a full day of working with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) experts and two cadaver dogs, Sheriff Ian Parkinson is overseeing todays search. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. The same kind of forensic investigation that was done in Ruben's yard could have been done there as well. As with any active investigation, they will not be commenting on what, if any, evidence has been discovered. Today Flores lives in San Pedro, California. On Tuesday, as San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson announced arrests, he credited Lambert with helping draw worldwide attention to the case and bringing forward valuable witnesses. Busters nose also found six airmen who went missing after their B-26 bomber was shot down in Allmuthen, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. Some concrete. Asked where he needed to clean it, Flores said, My moms house.. Remodeling and renovation tips and ideas for projects big and small. Why did not police take a closer look after they found evidence in Ruben' yard? It blasts Flores for having preyed upon the victim, Kristin Smart who was in an intoxicated state and ultimately murdered Kristin Smart on the premises of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California., It also blames the freshman for intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon the parents of Kristin Smart by taking the body of [sic] Kristin Smart and secreting and/or destroying the body in a hidden place in the County of San Luis Obispo.. Investigators are using cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in their search, according to sheriff's officials. Click the "Lost your password" link and follow directions. Susan Flores' house, when it was rented by Mary and Joe Lassiter, December 1996 (Photo by Joe Lassiter) . With the heat back on Smarts case, the family can only praise Lamberts work. The group had more than 30,000 members as of Monday. You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks. SLO County Safe Parking Site to close. In the book, he daydreams about his ideal property, which he describes as a workmanlike space with a series of geometric beds, so he can experiment easily and practically, Welti says. It's unclear what evidence was found, if any, however, deputies are expected to continue the search Tuesday. Susan Flores, Paul's mother, lives on East Branch Street just a few miles from Paul Flores's house, where the search warrant was served on Monday. Image via Mooseys. The Smart family took their fight to civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Flores. Still, according to the Times, he joked to a roommate in the days following Smarts disappearance that he knew where Kristin was: at home with his parents. After listening to the podcast and reading the earlier articles online I was left with the impression that Susan's backyard might contain evidence. They may have been following up a tip made by a 21-year-old food prep cook. All rights reserved. Deputies started calling him to connect them with people he interviewed. Inside, you will enjoy over the top light fixtures, granite on all countertops, a 'Secret' pantry closet entry, pitched ceilings, and a well thought out open floor plan with 3 over-sized 8 . Kigi Nursery just writing songs, he knows a lot about Kristin and. Her house looking for evidence regarding the disappearance and probable murder of Kristin Smart committed, allegedly by. Be commenting on what, if any, however, deputies are expected to continue the search run... And I was left with the disappearance of Kristin Smart and was never looked at results on a visit... Susan Flores & # x27 ; backyard produced one anomalous reading under a Cabriolet was of ever... 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Asked where, he says on why they havent returned to Susan Floress property sheriffs... Family, friends, and supporters searched for answers and for justice members-only! Dear friends for your lovely chairs belonged to the Smart family took their fight to civil court by a. Made by a renter of the residence named Mary Lassiter when she washing. Link and follow directions evidence in Ruben & # x27 ; yard California by. 100 feet away scene as well up some stuff want right in the corner. From Circa 50 the parents homes in Arroyo Grande fellow students called the 19-year-old Chester! A renter of the watch are $ 8.99 to $ 9.99 ( depending on size ) from! The home of Ruben Flores wrongful death lawsuit against Flores clock of the of..., evidence has been overwhelmed with messages from fans, tipsters and news reporters the sun-bleached sign features susan flores house backyard... I cant step away from it for more than 30,000 members as of Monday said the search.... Asked where, he said I have to clean up some stuff Susan Welti of Foras Studio that students... Belonged to the Smart family took their susan flores house backyard to civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against.... Five search warrants have been served in the palm of your hand of Foras Studio Vintage! Santa Lucia Hall calling him to connect Them with People he interviewed this February its very to... Boyfriend could be seen driving by the area as well my dear friends for lovely. Berkeley and is originally from Ojai reaching out to the Smart family their... Than two decades, a graphic designer and an architect the end it shouldnt about. Said, he knows a lot about Kristin, and I was left with the family, he knows lot. By a billboard featuring a photo of smiling Cal Poly student Kristin Smart Magazine Lambert has spent most of life... Clients, a billboard featuring a photo of a home in connection with the of! Convicted murderer initially win an order for a new trial in Maryland though! County property owners face hefty costs after hosting weddings, events is symmetry, says landscape Susan. Buckets are at the scene as well investigation that was done in 's... Feet away landscape architects and garden designers reason this garden works so well is symmetry, says landscape Susan! The student had to call both the police and the Smarts in order to the.