April 13, 2021

Smart Family Statement Regarding Today’s Arrest by San Luis Obispo

Sheriff’s Department:

For over twenty-four years, we have waited for this bittersweet day. It is
impossible to put into words what this day means for our family; we pray it
is the first step to bringing our daughter home. While Kristin’s loving spirit
will always live in our hearts, our life without her hugs, laughs and smiles is
a heartache that never abates. The knowledge that a father and son,
despite our desperate pleas for help, could have withheld this horrible
secret for nearly 25 years, denying us the chance to lay our daughter to
rest, is an unrelenting and unforgiving pain. We now put our faith in the
justice system and move forward, comforted in the knowledge that Kristin
has been held in the hearts of so many and that she has not been
forgotten.

We honor Kristin today and those who worked with unparalled tenacity and
dedication to bring us to this day. Without Kristin in our life, there will never
be justice, but we will pray for peace. Unfortunately, the indifference and
lack of resolve we experienced early on set the course for many years.

However, when Sheriff Parkinson took office in 2011, he made a promise

that Kristin’s disappearance would be one of his top priorities. We are here
today because he has remained true to his word. We have kept the faith;
never given up; and fully placed our trust and support with him and his
team.

The task he and his team accepted was unprecedented in volume and
scope, yet they met every setback and challenge with resolve and an
unequaled commitment to Kristin and our family.

Our gratitude to Sheriff Parkinson and his department for their

professionalism, compassion, and perseverance is without measure. We
are forever grateful for Detective Clint Cole who joined ‘Team Kristin’ in
2017 and brought new oxygen to Team Kristin and kept our hopes alive.
We would not be here today without his professionalism, perseverance,
and dedication. His heart and commitment are without equal.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the exceptional skills,

indefatigable work and unselfish dedication of Christopher Lambert who
produced Your Own Backyard Podcast. Chris, along with four incredible
angels (C, J, J, and J), balanced Kristin on their shoulders while lightening
our burden and held our hearts and hopes with fierce resolve and
commitment. There simply are ‘no words’!

We also wish to extend our deepest gratitude for all those on the SLOSO
team, including Commander Nate Paul, Detective Cole, and their incredible
and dedicated support staff. To each law enforcement agency that assisted
the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department with their extraordinary
efforts, our gratitude is immeasurable. Each gave 110% to ensure that this
day would come.

We are pleased that Kristin’s case has now moved to the district attorney’s
office, where we know we will be in good hands, and look forward to the
day when there will be ‘justice’ for Kristin.

To HEAL, we must REMEMBER not only Kristin but also every heart that
carried Kristin and our family in theirs! Kristin’s story is ultimately one of
unwavering commitment, resilience and immense gratitude.