Inmate Paul Flores, who was convicted of the murder of college student Kristin Smart, has been stabbed in prison for the second time in less than a year. The incident occurred at Pleasant Valley State Prison in California, where Flores is serving a 25-year-to-life sentence for the 1996 killing. The attack took place in the prison’s recreation yard and was witnessed by prison staff who intervened verbally to stop the assault. Flores was then taken to a medical facility for treatment and later returned to the prison in fair condition.
This is not the first time that Flores has been targeted by another inmate. Just nine months ago, he was slashed in the neck by a fellow inmate in the same prison yard. The attacker, Jason Budrow, is currently facing charges of attempted murder and assault. Budrow, who is serving two life sentences without parole for separate murders, including that of his former cellmate known as “the I-5 Strangler,” has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The motive behind both attacks on Flores remains unknown, as authorities have not released any information on the possible reasons for the violence. It is unclear whether there is any connection between the two incidents or if they are unrelated acts of aggression within the prison system.
Paul Flores was convicted of murdering Kristin Smart in 2022. Smart, a 19-year-old freshman at California Polytechnic State University, went missing in 1996 after attending an off-campus party. Flores, who was also a first-year student at the time, was the last person seen with her as he walked her home. Smart’s body has never been found, but she was legally declared dead in 2022, shortly after Flores’ arrest.
The case gained significant attention over the years, with ongoing efforts to locate Smart’s remains and bring her killer to justice. Flores’ father, Ruben Flores, was also charged in connection with the case for allegedly helping his son conceal Smart’s body. However, he was acquitted of being an accessory after the fact.
The recent attack on Flores has sparked an investigation by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The prison authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will likely take necessary steps to ensure the safety of all inmates within the facility.
While violence within prisons is unfortunately not uncommon, incidents involving high-profile cases like this one often attract attention due to the nature of the crimes committed and the public interest they generate. The safety and security of inmates is a crucial aspect of the prison system, and incidents like these highlight the challenges that correctional facilities face in maintaining order and protecting those in their custody.
As the investigation into the attack on Paul Flores continues, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The prison system will undoubtedly be under scrutiny to ensure that measures are in place to safeguard inmates and maintain a secure environment.
