Man convicted of murdering missing California college student Christine Smart

A jury on Tuesday convicted Paul Flores of first-degree murder in the 26-year-old disappearance of Cal Poly student Christine Smart.

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Her father, Ruben Flores, was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. He was accused of helping to hide Smart's body.

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Paul Flores did not comment after the guilty verdict. Her father, who was sitting directly behind her, also did not react to the verdict.

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Several members of Christine's family were also in court. His mother and sister cried for a few minutes after the verdict was read. Christine's father and brother were relieved.

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Paul's mother, Susan Flores, was not in court for the verdict.

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Reuben's jury gave Judge Jennifer O'Keefe its seal of approval Monday morning, after Paul's jury took nearly two weeks to finalize its verdict. However, the judges did not deliberate every day.

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Arguments on their case closed in the first week of October, and two panels of 12 judges began deliberating separately.

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Paul Flores and his father, Ruben, were arrested at their separate home on the morning of April 13, 2021, in connection with the May 1996 disappearance of Christine Smart.

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Paul, 45, was charged with first-degree murder. Authorities allege he killed 19-year-old Cal Polley while attempting to rape her.

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Witnesses said Paul Flores was the last person seen with Christine Smart before her disappearance.

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