Law enforcement officers were conducting an active search at Ruben Flores Arroyo Grande home late Tuesday afternoon, shortly after a press conference announcing he and his son Paul Flores had been arrested in connection to the suspected murder of Kristen Smart 24 years ago.
They blocked the street and had set up an extensive operation in the backyard, where piles dirt could be seen accumulating on a basketball court.
Both law enforcement at the scene and neighbors declined to comment.
Longtime prime suspect Paul Flores, 44, was arrested for murder and held without bail Tuesday morning. Ruben Flores, 80, was also arrested for accessory to murder and held on $250,000 bail. Neither has been formally charged but arraignments are scheduled for later in the week.
Arrest made in 1996 disappearance of California college student Kristin Smart
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2 men arrested in 1996 cold case of college student Kristin Smart
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