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One year after Paul Flores' conviction, the Smart family shares their profound journey, from the emotional toll of the trial and the defense's dehumanization tactics to the unexpected groundswell of support generated by Chris Lambert's podcast. They discuss the deep personal impact on their lives and the next generation, highlighting the bittersweet validation of the guilty verdict. The family emphasizes that true closure remains distant until Kristen's remains are recovered, advocating for legal changes to incentivize the return of victims' bodies.
Week 6 of the Paul and Ruben Flores murder trial began with graphic testimony from Rhonda Doe, who recounted being raped by Paul Flores in 2008 and her later identification of him. The trial continued with detailed testimony from cadaver dog handler Gail LaRocque about her dog Tori's alerts in Kristen Smart's dorm room, followed by an expert dog trainer's analysis of canine scent detection capabilities. The week concluded with Paul's ex-girlfriend Angie testifying about being redirected from a specific area at Ruben Flores's home, leading to a dramatic shift in the mood.
The podcast provides an in-depth recap of the initial two weeks of the People vs. Flores murder trial, including opening statements from both prosecution and defense for Paul and Ruben Flores. Key prosecution evidence, such as cadaver dog alerts, alleged DNA matches, and witnesses describing Paul's past behaviors, is presented. The defense counters by challenging evidence validity, witness credibility, and portraying the Flores family as victims of a media campaign. Early testimonies from Kristen Smart's family and party attendees further detail the events surrounding her disappearance.
Following the 2021 preliminary hearing for Paul and Ruben Flores, this episode covers significant pre-trial motions, including a challenge to the initial ruling, a successful change of venue to Monterey County, and the introduction of new Judge Jennifer O'Keefe. It delves into the first week of trial motions, discussing the admissibility of Paul's 1996 interview, attempts to dismiss the case, and rulings on witness testimony, third-party culpability, and courtroom protocols.
After the April 2021 arrests of Paul Flores and his father, Ruben, Chris recounts the search that led to them, and a timeline of the spot where investigators believe Kristin Smart's body was buried.
This episode delves into the 16-hour gap in Paul Flores's alibi following Kristen Smart's disappearance, revealing new evidence and conflicting testimonies. It highlights the podcast's role in revitalizing the investigation, leading to search warrants and the unearthing of critical witness accounts. The host meticulously reconstructs the timeline of events from May 25-28, 1996, scrutinizing the Flores family's inconsistent stories and potential efforts to conceal information.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to contact Paul Flores, the episode delves into David Smallwood's controversial newspaper, "The California Register," which vigorously investigates the Kristen Smart case and criticizes official handling. It features a cadaver dog expert whose findings at the Flores property are dismissed by the Sheriff's Department, and introduces a new DNA detection machine, all while highlighting the suppression of student journalism and neglected leads, keeping the Smart family in decades of uncertainty.
A man from North Carolina vows to keep the Flores family on their toes, and accidentally finds a new way to get their backyard searched in the process.
If Kristin Smart is dead, where did her body end up? Chris follows a trail left by a lost piece of evidence, and retraces Paul Flores' movements in the years after.
Who is Paul Flores? Chris talks to women who knew him before he was the suspect in Kristin Smart's disappearance, and learns that none of them were surprised.
This inaugural episode of "Your Own Backyard" introduces the 1996 cold case of Kristen Smart, a Cal Poly student who vanished steps away from her dorm. Host Chris Lambert, driven by a local billboard and the mystery surrounding the case, begins his investigation by interviewing Peter King, an LA Times writer who extensively covered Kristen's story. He then meets Kristen's parents, Stan and Denise, and her childhood friends, gathering intimate details of her life, personality, and the challenging circumstances leading up to her disappearance, including her last night out with friends and a fraternity party.
