Ep 24. Justice for Kristin Smart

In Dateline season 31 episode 24, viewers are taken through the harrowing story of Kristin Smart, a young college student who disappeared without a trace almost 25 years ago.

The episode delves into the many twists and turns of the case, which has captivated the nation for decades. Viewers will hear from those closest to Kristin, including her family and friends, as well as investigators who have worked tirelessly to solve the case and bring her killer to justice.

Through interviews with those involved in the investigation, Dateline paints a picture of Kristin's life before she vanished. The bright and ambitious young woman had dreams of becoming a teacher, and was heavily involved in extracurricular activities such as the marching band. She was known as a kind and caring person, with a heart of gold.

However, her life took a dark turn on the night of May 25, 1996, when she attended a party with friends. After leaving the party and walking home, she was last seen in the company of a fellow student named Paul Flores, who has long been considered a person of interest in the case.

Despite extensive searches and investigations, no trace of Kristin was ever found. Her disappearance left her family and friends devastated, and the case eventually went cold.

However, recent developments in the case have rekindled hope that justice may finally be served. In January of 2020, after years of investigation and speculation, authorities announced that they had arrested Paul Flores on suspicion of murder.

The episode explores the evidence against Flores, and the many challenges faced by investigators attempting to solve a case that has languished unsolved for over two decades. Key among these challenges is the difficulty of conducting an investigation so long after the fact, when memories have faded and evidence is harder to come by.

Despite these challenges, investigators have continued to work tirelessly to solve the case, and the episode provides a glimpse into the many avenues that they have pursued in their search for the truth.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the far-reaching impact of Kristin's disappearance. Her family and friends continue to live with the pain of her loss, even as they hold out hope for answers and closure.

Ultimately, the episode is a powerful testament to the importance of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of justice. Despite the many obstacles faced by investigators in their efforts to solve the case, the show highlights the fact that the tireless pursuit of truth can yield results even in the most difficult of circumstances.

For anyone interested in true crime and the pursuit of justice, Dateline season 31 episode 24 provides a fascinating and compelling look at one of the most compelling and heartbreaking cases in recent memory.