In a shocking turn of events, convicted murderer Paul Flores was hospitalized after being attacked in prison, his lawyer confirmed. Flores, who was found guilty of the murder of Kristin Smart in 2022, was transferred from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California to an outside hospital where he remained in serious condition. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation did not provide any confirmation of the attack, stating that the circumstances surrounding Flores' injury were under investigation and details would not be immediately released.

Flores' attorney, Harold Mesick, revealed that he was notified of the attack by corrections officials, but did not have any further details. Mesick expressed his concerns for Flores' well-being, stating, "I just pray for his recovery." This attack came shortly after Flores was transferred to the Central Valley prison from North Kern State Prison, where prisoners are received and processed before being assigned to another facility.

Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in March for the murder of Kristin Smart, who disappeared from California Polytechnic State University in 1996. Despite her remains never being found, Smart was declared legally dead in 2002. Prosecutors maintained that Flores, who was 19 years old at the time, killed Smart during an attempted rape in his dorm room. He was the last person seen with Smart as he walked her home from an off-campus party.

Flores' arrest in 2021, along with his father, brought some closure to the high-profile case that had captivated the nation for over 25 years. His father, Ruben Flores, was accused of helping to hide Smart's body but was acquitted of being an accessory after the fact. The conviction of Paul Flores marked the culmination of a long and arduous investigation into Smart's disappearance and murder.

Details surrounding the attack on Flores inside the prison remain scarce. CBS News reported that Flores' attorney, Mesick, confirmed the assault but did not have any additional information on the type or severity of Flores' injuries. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office was also made aware of the incident but had no further details to provide.

The attack on Flores highlights the ongoing dangers faced by inmates within the prison system. While the circumstances behind the assault remain unknown, it raises concerns about the safety and security of prisoners. As the investigation into the attack continues, authorities will undoubtedly take steps to ensure the well-being of inmates and prevent further incidents from occurring.