Investigators searching property linked to the disappearance and murder of Kristin Smart recovered several items considered evidence but found no human remains, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

The search was conducted at the Arroyo Grande property of Susan Flores in connection with the decades-old case involving Smart, who disappeared in 1996.

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives used several investigative techniques during the investigation, including ground penetrating radar and soil vapor science. Soil scientists identified an area along the side yard of the property that showed results consistent with the possible presence of human remains.

Investigators obtained an additional search warrant on May 8 to excavate the area. Authorities removed large concrete pavers from the side yard before excavation work continued the following day, with investigators sifting through soil for evidence related to Smart.

The sheriff’s office said several items considered evidentiary in nature were recovered during the search and are being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Ultimately, no human remains were recovered during the excavation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to finding Smart and bringing her home to her family. Officials said no further information would be released at this time.

About the Kristin Smart Case

Smart, a 19-year-old freshman at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, disappeared in 1996.

Prosecutors said fellow student Paul Flores killed Smart during an attempted rape.

Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022 and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

His father, Ruben Flores, was charged with helping conceal the crime but was acquitted.

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