Updated Defense criticizes evidence in Kristin Smart slaying arrests
LOS ANGELES (AP) Lawyers for a father and son charged in the 1996 disappearance of California college student Kristin Smart criticized the evidence used Monday to make arrests, with one saying it was “so minimal as to shock the conscience.”
A prosecutor shot back that lawyers for Paul Flores, 44, who is charged with murder, and his father, Ruben Flores, 80, who is charged as an accessory for allegedly hiding Smart’s body, had omitted significant details, though he didn’t elaborate.
Attorney Harold Mesick, who represents Ruben Flores, said the evidence found was ambiguous and there was an innocent explanation for what an expert concluded about what police dug up in his client’s backyard.
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Kristin Smart case: Father, son plead not guilty in 1996 California disappearance
Updated 9:48 AM;
By Matt Fountain The Sacramento Bee (TNS) and Tribune Media Services
Nearly a week after their arrests in the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, Paul and Ruben Flores pleaded not guilty Monday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court to respective counts of murder and accessory.
A judge also ruled that Paul Flores will remain in jail without bail and scheduled a hearing Wednesday to find out what, if any, bail amount Ruben Flores can afford given his assets. Ruben Flores’ bail is currently set at $250,000.
Matt Fountain
The Sacramento Bee
Nearly a week after their arrests in the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, Paul and Ruben Flores pleaded not guilty Monday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court to respective counts of murder and accessory.
A judge also ruled that Paul Flores will remain in jail without bail and scheduled a hearing Wednesday to find out what, if any, bail amount Ruben Flores can afford given his assets. Ruben Floresâ bail is currently set at $250,000.
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Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle, the lead prosecutor in the case, had said last week that he expected to seek a higher bail amount for Ruben Flores.
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