Lawsuits naming Paul, Ruben Flores likely to move forward after criminal case James Murphy and last updated 2021-04-23 23:53:11-04 Ruben and Paul Flores, the father and son arrested in connection with the disappearance of Kristin Smart, are facing lawsuits on top of their felony charges. San Luis Obispo attorneys weighed in on the legal processes and said civil cases usually take a backseat when a defendant is also facing a criminal case. In 1997, civil attorney James Murphy, Kristin Smartâs family attorney, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Paul Flores. It resulted in the deposition of Paul and Ruben Flores and the 2007 dig of Susan Flores's Arroyo Grande home.