Ruben Flores released from jail after having bail amount reduced
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The father of the man charged in the murder of Kristin Smart had his bail amount reduced Wednesday and was released from jail that night.
Ruben Flores, the father of Paul Flores, appeared in San Luis Obispo Superior Court via video Wednesday afternoon. Flores, who is charged with being an accessory to Smart's murder, had his bail amount reduced from $250,000 to $50,000.
Ruben Flores was released on bail at around 11 p.m. Wednesday. His ex-wife, Susan Flores, showed up to the San Luis Obispo County Jail about an hour before.
He must wear an ankle monitor, surrender his passport and cannot leave San Luis Obispo County as conditions of his release.
Ruben Flores, along with his son, were arrested last week as part of the decades-long investigation into the disappearance of Kristin Smart. Paul Flores is accused of killing Smart during an attempted rape at his dorm at Cal Poly in 1996. He is believed to be the last person to see Smart alive.
Ruben Flores is accused of helping his son hide Smart's body. A document released this week alleged that Smart's body was once buried in the backyard of Ruben Flores' home.
The two appeared in court on Monday and both pleaded not guilty to their charges.
A motion to have Ruben Flores' bail amount decreased was approved by judge Craig Van Rooyen who said the 80-year-old did not pose a risk to the public and is not likely to flee the area.
Wednesday's hearing was set to determine a new bail amount based off of what, if anything, Flores could afford.
Paul Flores remains in custody without bail.
Playlist: The Disappearance of Kristin Smart
Playlist: The Disappearance of Kristin Smart
