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Paul, Ruben Flores enter not guilty pleas in Kristin Smart case

They are charged in connection with the death of the Cal Poly student
Court cont arraignment.jpg
Posted at 8:36 AM, Apr 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-19 18:40:45-04

UPDATE (2:10 p.m.) - The attorneys for Paul and Ruben Flores entered not guilty pleas on behalf of their clients during an arraignment hearing on Monday afternoon.

Judge Craig van Rooyen denied bail for Paul Flores but recommended a possible bail reduction for Ruben.

That matter will be heard again Wednesday afternoon.

Judge van Rooyen says Paul is facing a sentence of 25 year-to-life if convicted.

Ruben reportedly faces a maximum sentence of three years if convicted.

Both defendants waived their right to a speedy preliminary hearing.

A pre-preliminary hearing was set for May 17 at 1:30 p.m. and a preliminary hearing date was tentatively set for July 6.
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(8:36 a.m.) - The father and son charged in connection with the May 1996 death of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart will be back before a judge Monday.

Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s officials the morning of Tuesday, April 13, at their separate homes.

Paul, 44, is charged with first-degree murder. The sheriff’s office alleges he killed Kristin while trying to rape her.

Ruben, 80, is charged with accessory after the fact.

They made their first court appearances last Thursday but did not enter pleas.

The judge, however, did approve a protective order barring anyone associated with the case from talking about it publicly due to its high-profile nature.

Paul is currently being held in San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail.

Ruben is being held on $250,000 bail. His bail amount is expected to be discussed during court Monday.

To watch the hearing live, click here and select Department 1. The case is being heard at 1:30 p.m.