Finally!
It took almost 25 years but sweet justice has arrived!
I am so thankful that Kristen's family will have their answers.
Let's see if Paul Flores invokes the 5th on answering questions this time around without his Daddy there to tell him how to respond.
Maybe he will finally confess to get a lessor sentence?
I am also glad that Ruben Flores, who is 80, is also finally getting what he deserves....to enjoy his remaining years behind bars.
I am wondering if Susan is a victim of her own ignorance, or if she will soon get shiny bracelets as well?
Highlights from the presser:
Sheriff Ian Parkinson speaking (Sheriff since 2011):
- May 25th 1996 last place KS was seen alive, that is where presser is held
-arrest of PF for murder of KS and the arrest of RF as acessory to the murder
-
Timeline :
KS was 19 yr old freshman Cal Poly student last seen May 25th at 2AM near Perimeter and Grand Ave
As she walked home, she was last seen with PF, also a 19 yr old freshman who walked her home from the party. She never returned to her dorm room. Has not been seen or heard of since then
-reported missing to Cal Poly PD May 28, 1996, they handled the initial investigation
-active invesigation since then and with numerous other agencies
-Recived assistance from FBI, California Dept Justice
-Detective Cole has been working on KS's case (unsolved Cold Case Detective)
-PF was a person of signifcant interest since then
as case progressed he was a prime suspect
-In 2011, Sheriff requested a complete review of the case
-In late 2016, they discovered additional evidence that confirmed that that PF was the suspect in KS disappearance
-In 2019 they interviewed several witnesses not previously interviewed
-He gives credit to the Podcast (not mentioned by name?) that led to information, then the interview of a witness
-Court Order authorized interception and monitoring of PF's calls and text messages
-in Feb 2020 SW's served at PF, sister and mothers and father's homes simultaneously last yr
-led to additional SW's
-in March 2021 another SW at RF's home and they found additional evidence regarding the investigation
-Asa result of the evidence, Judge signed two arrest warrants and search warrants and both PF (Murder -
zero bail!) and RF (accessory to murder with bail of $200K) were arrested at 7:30 AM today. Two teams were used for the arrests
-currently in process of executing the warrants
-the SW's are sealed. Cannot discuss evidence found (due process right) it has to go to court. Specific items of evidence will not be discussed
-They have NOT recovered KS
-They will focus on finding her remains
-LE solves crimes via witnesses and via evidence
-Over 41 search warrants (16 different locations) including the hillside behind them during the presser
-37 items of evidence from early days
-Recovery of 93 new items of physical evidence
-137 interviews
-500 additional police reports
-Size of file is in excess of 3 terrabytes
-Hope for justice for the Smart family
-Has spoken to Smart family, including this morning, they are feeling a bit of relief but this isn't over until KS is returned to them. LE will not stop and are committed to bringing her home
-Case has been turned over to San Obisbo's district attorneys office
-He thanks Detective Cole and a new Detective Commander, and others who have worked on the case.
Sherrif Parkinson Introduces President of Cal Poly, Jeff Armstrong to speak:
-Cal Poly communities have watched case closely and hoped for justice for the family
-measure of relief and hope for resolution with today's arrests
-thanks Sherrif and District Attorney who have worked hard to find answers
-Thanks to Chris Lambert as well
-Family and friends get a thank you
Answers bolded from Q & A (I couldn't hear all of the questions!)
He was transferred and booked
Any closer?
Yes. Time will tell.
They are after anything that will lead to KS's location
PF's arraignment will be on Thursday
RF's arraignment depends on RF, and if he bails out
Why is taking so long?
It is not what you believe, it is what you can prove.
Forensic physical evidence was located and they believe it is related to KS. Physical evidence found at at least two homes.
Chris Lambert took a local story and expanded it to an International story. With students who are not local and are disbursed, the message gets out to the nation and people may remember something. CL's podcast produced new information that he believes was valuable.
There were missteps and things that were done really well. You can always look back and see things that could have been different.
DS has said it is a puzzle they are assembling and if pieces are missing, this is what it has been like for them to find the missing pieces.
There was something of value in various locations that have kept coming up and coming to light.
DA will have to answer if there will be additional charges.
Confident that they have enough of a case to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. No body cases get prosecuted. (Sites a case where a body was recovered after a case was prosecuted.)
Is there a chance there will be a push for a Change of Venue?
The Judge will determine this
It is believed that RF participated
Will not present a motive or a theory
Anyone arrested of a high-profile crime will be on watch
Zero communication, no response
Superior Court signed arrest warrant (Ramey Warrant)
Q: What was their demeanor when they were arrested?
Warrant was to be executed at his residence. Its a bigger operation than meets the eye. Better to follow timeline.
Please forgive typos and spelling errors. This is a summary and not a transcript.
JMO
