California Inmate Charged with Attempted Murder for Assaulting Kristin Smart’s Murderer

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An inmate at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California, is charged with attempted murder for an alleged attack on Paul Flores, linked to the Kristin Smart murder case.

Jason Richard Budrow, 43, already serving a life sentence without parole for a prior murder, now faces severe charges related to crimes by a prisoner and possession of a weapon, along with enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury. 

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office disclosed that Budrow purportedly assaulted Flores, slashing his neck with a “manufactured weapon” on August 23rd, within the prison premises.

Flores, who had been apprehended in 2021 and found guilty in 2022 for the tragic killing of Kristin Smart dating back to 1996, underwent hospitalization in Fresno before being re-incarcerated within a mere two-day span.

Due to the vicious attack on Flores, who is presently serving a sentence ranging from 25 years to life, questions concerning safety in California’s prison system have been raised.

California Prison Safety Challenges

california-inmate-charged-with-attempted-murder-for-assaulting-kristin-smart's-murderer
An inmate at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California, is charged with attempted murder for an alleged attack on Paul Flores, linked to the Kristin Smart murder case.

Notably, Budrow possesses a noteworthy background riddled with criminal conduct marked by a deeply concerning pattern of repeatedly engaging in violent behaviors.

Roger Reece Kibbe, a.k.a. the I-5 Strangler, was his cellmate at Mule Creek State Prison. He was convicted in 2010 of strangling his fiancée to death. In 2021, Kibbe fell victim to the same crime.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office outlined the potential sentencing Budrow could face if convicted for the assault on Flores. They indicated a possible 27-year-to-life term in addition to a nine-year determinate sentence for the enhancements.

The arraignment of Budrow, which is slated for January 8, marks the beginning of the legal process concerning this upsetting incident. California has started the judicial proceedings associated with the case.

This case emphasizes the difficulties and complications involved in maintaining safety and security in correctional facilities in California in addition to drawing attention to the alleged violence within the jail system.

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