Overview
- Deputies with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office served a judge‑approved warrant at Susan Flores’ East Branch Street home on Wednesday in Arroyo Grande.
- The search continued Thursday as scientists collected soil vapor and soil samples from her yard and a neighboring lot to test for gases tied to human decomposition.
- An expert in soil vapor testing confirmed he was on site taking samples, while authorities withheld what prompted the warrant and any findings.
- The sheriff’s office and district attorney said they remain committed to bringing Smart home as the investigation into the location of her body continues.
- Paul Flores was convicted in 2022 and sentenced in 2023, and investigators have rechecked family properties since a 2021 dig under Ruben Flores’ deck found a casket‑size soil disturbance and degraded traces of blood.