The body of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart was once buried under the deck of Ruben Flores’ home, who’s the father of the man accused of killing her, according to prosecutors.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Paul Flores, the prime suspect in the disappearance and presumed death of 19-year-old Smart, was booked last week in the San Luis Obispo County jail on suspicion of murder.
Flores’ father, Ruben Flores, 80, was also arrested last week at his Arroyo Grande residence, on a charge of “accessory after the fact of a felony” according to San Luis Obispo County jail records, AP reports.
The Tribune reports that investigators alleged that Smart’s body was once buried under the elder Flores’ deck, but her remains were recently moved.
According to court documents obtained by the outlet, authorities “are in possession of biological evidence that makes them believe the victim was buried underneath (Ruben Flores’) deck at one time.”
“[There is] damning evidence that a body had been buried in that location and then recently moved.”
Further, prosecutors reportedly stated that “dozens of women have recounted Paul Flores’ sexual assaults and predatory behavior that document his 25 years as a serial rapist.”
“If he [Paul Ruben] were released from custody the court would be putting a serial rapist back on the streets and leave him free to victimize additional women,” Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle wrote.
At this time, no bail has been granted to Paul Flores, while Ruben Flores’ bail amount was reduced from an initial $250,000 after a San Luis Obispo Superior Court judge said that it could years before his case is even tried, meaning he could have completed a max sentence before the trial starts.
Prosecutors are adamant that Paul Ruben belongs behind bars, claiming that he helped his son cover up the murder.
“Ruben Flores has repeatedly lied over the course of 24 years and has been uncooperative with law enforcement with the specific intent of aiding Paul Flores escape prosecution,” Peuvrelle said.
“Ruben Flores has done everything possible to help his son, Paul Flores, keep the remains of Kristin Smart hidden. Additionally, due to the evidence gleaned from the excavation, it is reasonable to believe Ruben Flores currently knows the location of Kristin Smart’s remains.
Should he be allowed bail, it is a virtual certainty that he would use his freedom to continue his attempts to help Paul Flores thwart the prosecution in this case and continue to hide her remains.”
Paul Ruben’s lawyer, Harold Mesick, argued that the evidence against his client was “so minimal as to shock the conscience.”
Peuvrelle accused Mesick of ignoring key parts of the sealed evidence.
If convicted, Paul Flores faces 25 years to life in prison, while his father, if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison if convicted, Peuvrelle said in court on Monday.
Click here to read additional information on the Smart case.
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[Feature Photo: Police Handout; Handout
