155: Kristin Smart

155: Kristin Smart

From Over My Dead Pod by Over My Dead Pod Co.

June 8, 2026 · 1h 0m · Season 1 · Episode 158

About this episode

This episode examines the disappearance of Kristin Smart and the subsequent investigation that spanned over two decades.

In May 1996, 19-year-old college freshman Kristin Smart vanished after attending an off-campus party near California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. What initially appeared to be a missing person case would evolve into one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries in California history. For more than 25 years, Kristin's family searched for answers as investigators pursued countless leads, rumors, and theories. Suspicion repeatedly centered on fellow student Paul Flores, the last known person seen with Kristin the night she disappeared. Yet despite years of public scrutiny, searches, and investigations, no arrests were made for decades. In this episode of Over My Dead Pod, we examine the timeline of Kristin's disappearance, the investigative missteps that frustrated her family, the role of media and independent journalists in keeping the case alive, and the breakthrough developments that ultimately led to an arrest more than two decades later. We also explore the lasting impact the case had on campus safety, missing persons investigations, and one family's relentless pursuit of justice. For more information, check out overmydeadpod.com and @overmydeadpod on social…

People in this episode

Host: Over My Dead Pod Co.

Topics covered

  • missing persons
  • unsolved mysteries
  • investigation
  • campus safety
  • justice

Keywords

  • Kristin Smart
  • Paul Flores
  • missing person case
  • California
  • investigative missteps
  • campus safety
  • justice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: California Polytechnic State University

Places: San Luis Obispo

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