Cal Poly president Jeffrey Armstrong issued this statement of apology to the Smart family, regarding the death of their daughter Kristin in 1996:
"First, it must be said that I can’t imagine the pain and hurt Kristin’s family has felt and still feels.
We are very sorry for what the Smart family has endured. What they have been through is unimaginably heartbreaking, and I feel for them in ways I can’t express with words. While it is a different administration now than was in place in 1996, we recognize that things should had been done differently — and I personally wish that they had.
On behalf of Cal Poly leadership, I can say that as people who live in this community with families and human emotions ourselves, Kristin’s story is something that is always with us and weighs heavy on our hearts. Her story continues to be a part of the Cal Poly story, and we are determined to do all we can to help ensure the safety of all our students now and in the future.
After a three-month trial, a Monterey County jury has unanimously found Paul Flores guilty of the first-degree murder of Kristin Smart. Paul's father, Ruben Flores, was found not guilty of being an accessory to Kristin’s murder.
Kristin Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she was reported missing in May 1996. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest and prosecution of Paul and Ruben Flores. At trial the jury heard testimony that Kristin was last seen walking towards her dormitory with Paul Flores after leaving an off-campus party.
