Nearly 24 years after she disappeared, missing Cal Poly student Kristin Smart is still on minds of many people on the Central Coast.
Dozens gathered for a candlelight vigil at Santa Rosa Park in San Luis Obispo to show their love and support to the Smart family and to let them know they refuse to forget about Kristin.
Smart was last seen returning to Muir Hall, a Cal Poly red brick dorm, after attending an off-campus fraternity party May 25, 1996. Her body has never been found.
"We're not going to forget about her. We're in this for the long haul, especially in light of how the [Your Own Backyard podcast] has reinvigorated our community," said Sandy Huntburns, an organizer with Warriors for Kristin. "We want to ride that momentum and help bring her home."
The organization Warriors for Kristin said they take comfort in the new developments and will continue to rally together until the case is closed.
The vigil comes after the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office released new details about the investigation earlier this week which has given supporters more hope than ever.
Officials confirmed they seized key pieces of new evidence that includes two vehicles belonging to the family of Paul Flores.
Flores, a former Cal Poly student, was the last person to see Kristin the night she disappeared according to witness statements.
In the past, officials have referred to him as a person of interest and key witness in the case.
The Smart family was not present at the vigil Saturday night, but they sent small flowers to thank everyone for their continuous support.
