West
Inmate says he didn't slash Kristin Smart's killer three years after murdering 'I-5 Strangler'
An infamous inmate, who murdered a serial killer in his prison cell three years ago, pleaded not guilty to a prison ambush of Kristin Smart’s killer.
Jason Budrow, 43, allegedly made a shank and slashed Paul Flores in the neck during an Aug. 23 jailhouse attack a week after Flores was transferred to the Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California.
“Yard staff saw Flores fall to the ground between the recreational yard and the medical clinic,” the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) told Fox News Digital after the alleged assault.
On Monday, Budrow pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, including using a prison-made deadly weapon and assault by an inmate serving a life sentence.
KRISTIN SMART’S KILLER NEARLY DIED DURING ALLEGED PRISON ATTACK WHO MURDERED ‘I-5 STRANGLER’
Jason Budrow, who murdered the “I-5” strangler in jail, allegedly attacked Kristin Smart’s killer Paul Flores in prison. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation )
Flores was rushed to an outside hospital in serious condition, where he stayed for two days before returning to prison, according to the CDCR.
The CDCR declined to answer Fox News Digital’s questions in November about the incident, including how Budrow got access to Flores or where Budrow and Flores are currently being housed.
KRISTIN SMART KILLER PAUL FLORES SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR CALIFORNIA MURDER
And authorities still haven’t mentioned a possible motive for the alleged attempt on Flores’ life.
Flores is serving a 25-years-to-life sentence for murdering 19-year-old Smart in 1996, when they were both students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
He was convicted in the decades-old cold case, even though Smart’s body was never found. She was declared legally dead in 2002.
Kristin Smart’s murderer, Paul Flores, was attacked in prison and hospitalized in serious condition, according to his lawyer. (FBI/San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
He crossed paths with Budrow, a self-described Satanist who sports a “666” tattoo above his right eye, a week after being transferred to the California prison.
Budrow was already serving two life sentences without parole for fatally strangling his girlfriend in 2010 and strangling his Mule Creek State Prison cellmate – Roger Reece Kibbe, 81 – in 2021.
Kibbe was known as the “I-5 Strangler” in the 1970s and 1980s because he hunted women along the Interstate 5 corridor between Sacramento and Stockton.
He raped and strangled at least seven women and was known for cutting his victims’ clothing into irregular patterns.
Budrow said in a letter to the San Jose Mercury News that he purposely arranged to get a cell with Kibbe after seeing the TV coverage and killed him because he was on “a mission for avenging” Kibbe’s victims.
If convicted on the new charges, Budrow could receive an additional sentence of 27 years to life in prison.
Read the full article from Here
San Francisco, CA
Yes, an $8 Burger Exists in Downtown San Francisco
Sometimes life requires an easy hang, without the need for reservations and dressing up, and preferably with food that’s easy to rally folks behind. The newish Hamburguesa Bar is just such a place, opening in December 2025 and serving a tight food menu of smash and tavern burgers (made with beef ground in-house), along with hand-cut duck fat fries, poutine, and Caesar salad. The best part? Nothing here costs more than $20. Seriously, this spot has so much going for it, including solid cocktails and boozy shakes. It’s become a homing beacon for post-work hangs, judging by a recent weekday crowd.
Hamburguesa Bar’s drinks are the epitome of unfussy: Cocktail standards, four beers on tap, two choices of wine (red or white), boozy and non-boozy shakes, plus 21 beers by the can or bottle. Standards on the cocktail menu are just that, a list of drinks you’ve heard before — such as an Old Fashioned, daiquiri, gin or vodka martini, or Harvey Wallbanger — with no special tinctures or fat-washed liquors to speak of (that we know of, at least). I’m typically split on whether boozy shakes are ever worth it, but the Fruity Pebbles option ($14) makes a convincing case, mixed with a just-right amount of vodka and some cereal bits. (I’ll leave the more adventurous Cinnamon Toast shake made with Fireball to others with more positive experiences with that liquor.)
Downtown and SoMa has a reputation for restaurants closing early, but Hamburguesa Bar keeps later hours, closing at midnight from Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays). It’s also open for lunch at noon during those days, with the exception of Saturdays when it opens at 5 p.m.
Denver, CO
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Seattle, WA
MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves
The Seattle Mariners have had a busy offseason as they try to improve their roster and break through to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Seattle has been active in free agency and on the trade market. One of their final roster questions is who will serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. The Mariners could make one more move before the start of the season to address this need, potentially through a trade with the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves are dealing with some serious injuries to their starting rotation this offseason. After an impressive 2025 campaign, Spencer Schwellenbach has been shut down because of bone spurs. Breakout candidate Hurston Waldrep was also shut down during Spring Training with elbow inflammation. Both pitchers underwent surgery in February, leaving two open spots in Atlanta’s rotation. Let’s break down a mock trade centered on Luis Castillo that could help fill those holes for the Braves.
Atlanta Braves – Seattle Mariners Mock Trade
Atlanta Braves receive SP Luis Castillo
Seattle Mariners receive C Sean Murphy, SP Owen Murphy
In this mock trade, the Braves acquire All-Star starter Luis Castillo. In exchange, the Mariners receive former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and a young pitching prospect in Owen Murphy.
Fantasy Baseball Outlook
Luis Castillo would slot into the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation behind Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. He has been very effective for the Mariners since they acquired him from the Reds at the trade deadline four seasons ago. In 2025, Castillo went 11–8 in 32 games with a 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. His fantasy value would likely dip if he left Seattle’s pitcher-friendly ballpark. Still, he has proven himself as a reliable, effective starter through consistent performance, and he would play a key role for Atlanta.
With the Mariners, Sean Murphy would serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. He would likely see a drop in playing time in Seattle, but this move could also give the Mariners more opportunities to use Raleigh at DH. With the fifth spot open in the Seattle rotation, Emerson Hancock and Cooper Criswell would be viable, experienced options. Alternatively, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan are elite prospects who have had strong Spring Trainings and could break camp on Opening Day. The young pitching prospect Owen Murphy would also join a talented farm system and provide a future option for the rotation.
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