The rolling hills of Paso Robles, California, are famous for their tranquil vineyards and golden sunsets. But for the family of Nancy Woodrum, these hills held a dark secret for seven agonizing months.
In early 2026, the world was reminded of Nancy’s story when CBS aired a chilling episode of Harlan Coben’s Final Twist, titled "No Sign of Nancy" (Season 1, Episode 3). Why does a case from 2018 still captivate audiences today? It is a story of a community's loss, a predator’s deception, and a forensic breakthrough that changed how rural crimes are solved.
Who Was Nancy Woodrum? A Legacy of Light in Paso Robles
Nancy Colleen Woodrum was more than just a 62-year-old grandmother; she was a staple of the San Luis Obispo County community. A professional hairstylist who operated a popular salon, Nancy was known for her vibrant spirit and deep empathy. She lived on a beautiful, secluded property off El Pharo Drive, Geneseo Road, a place she considered her sanctuary.
Her life was defined by the connections she made. Whether it was a client in her chair or a neighbor in need, Nancy was the person people turned to. This makes her sudden disappearance on May 5, 2018—Cinco de Mayo—all the more jarring.
The Morning the World Stopped: A Chilling Disappearance
The nightmare began on May 5, 2018—Cinco de Mayo. While the rest of the county celebrated, Nancy’s daughter arrived at her mother's home after Nancy failed to respond to repeated messages. The scene was hauntingly quiet.
There was no sign of a forced entry through the front door, but the sliding glass door at the back told a different story. Inside, the signs of a violent struggle were undeniable. Blood was found, but Nancy was gone. Her keys, her purse, and her vehicle remained untouched.
In the world of missing persons, this is the "Golden Hour" where every second counts. The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department launched a massive search, involving over 100 volunteers and specialized K-9 units, scouring the dense brush of the surrounding canyons.
The Breakthrough: When Forensics Met a Confession
For seven agonizing months, the Woodrum family lived in a state of "ambiguous loss." The breakthrough didn't come from a witness, but from a microscopic piece of evidence. Investigators recovered DNA from the scene that did not match Nancy.
In September 2018, investigators obtained critical forensic DNA from the scene that did not match Nancy. In a meticulous piece of detective work, the Sheriff's Office began cross-referencing every individual who had recent access to the property. They found Carlo Alberto Fuentes Flores, a painter who had been hired to work on Nancy's deck just weeks prior.
Flores was a man Nancy had likely offered a glass of water or a kind word while he worked. Instead of professional gratitude, Flores used his time on the property to map out Nancy’s vulnerabilities. When confronted by detectives in December 2018, the facade crumbled. Flores led investigators to a shallow grave in a remote area off Highway 58, ending the mystery but beginning a new era of grief.
The Legal Battle: Justice Without a Jury
The trial of Carlo Alberto Fuentes Flores was a grueling process. In an effort to avoid the death penalty, or perhaps realizing the insurmountable evidence against him, Flores waived his right to a jury trial. This put the weight of the verdict entirely on Superior Court Judge Timothy Covello.
The evidence presented was harrowing. It wasn't just a murder; it was a calculated attack that Judge Covello ruled occurred during the commission of rape and residential burglary. In early 2022, the judge delivered the final blow to Flores' defense: Life in prison without the possibility of parole.
"Life in prison without the possibility of parole is an appropriate and just punishment for the brutal abuse and murder of Nancy Woodrum," stated District Attorney Dan Dow following the sentencing.
Why We Still Talk About Nancy Woodrum in 2026
The case has gained renewed national interest this year following the CBS premiere on January 20, 2026, which featured interviews with Detective Clint Cole and archival footage from the 2018 search.
Furthermore, Nancy's case is being used in forensic seminars in 2026 to demonstrate how "touch DNA" can solve cases where no primary witness exists. For the Paso Robles community, however, it isn't about the science; it's about the woman.
Nancy’s legacy lives on through local safety awareness initiatives (like PasoSafe) that help residents in rural areas understand the importance of vetting domestic contractors and installing advanced security systems.
Final Reflections: Lessons from a Tragedy
The murder of Nancy Woodrum remains a somber reminder that evil can sometimes enter our lives under the guise of the mundane. However, it is also a testament to the fact that no matter how deep a body is buried, the truth has a way of rising to the surface.