Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
Paul Flores, the man convicted of killing California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) freshman Kristin Smart, was hospitalized after being attacked at a California state prison where he had only been housed for five days, according to his attorney.
Harold Mesick confirmed the attack on Thursday but did not provide details.
Flores was taken from the Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga to a medical facility after sustaining injuries that left him in serious condition, said the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. However, their updated statement indicated that Flores is now in fair condition.
Paul Flores was found guilty of murdering Kristin Smart, who disappeared in 1996 from the Cal Poly campus. The case remained unsolved until a local true crime podcast, Your Own Backyard by Chris Lambert, reignited interest in the cold case. Following the podcast and deeper investigations by law enforcement, Flores was charged with killing Smart during a rape or attempted rape.
The prison attack is currently under investigation and no information has been released concerning the attacker or the details of the assault. If Flores’ condition continues to improve, the corrections department will decide whether he is to return to protective custody at the prison.
Kristin Smart’s case received significant public attention, leading to the discovery of new witnesses and evidence that helped provide a basis for the charges against Flores. Prosecutors uncovered evidence of women accusing Flores sexually assault.
Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in March 2023.
…that’s a shame.
Attorney Harold Mesick told media outlets that Flores was injured after being attacked in prison. “I hope he’s OK,” Mesick said. “I pray he’s OK.” If victim Kristin Smart had received compassion from Flores, the current situation may never have taken place. What goes around, comes around, and may come back to haunt you many years later.
Gee, maybe there IS something to this Karma business.
According to Chris Lambert of Your Own Backyard podcast, it happened within ONE hour of him being admitted to general population for the first time.
In a state where criminals are most likely to receive no punishment at all, vigilante justice is common in prisons for those who abuse or kill women and children.
Good news!
They didn’t do a good job.. next time