SIERRA LAMAR - 15 yo (2012)/ Suspect: Antolin Garcia-Torres - Morgan Hill CA

Two days
before Mother's Day, the mother of missing Morgan Hill-area teen Sierra
LaMar issued a poignant statement reflecting on the joys and
difficulties of motherhood.
The brief, three-paragraph letter sent
to media outlets said that Sierra was her "miracle baby," conceived
when Marlene LaMar, now 51, had been told she might not get pregnant
again.
"Mother's Day is a time of reflection on what being a mom
has brought to your life. Being a mom has been the greatest joy of my
life. From the moment I knew that a little life was growing inside me,
there was an overwhelming need to protect and nurture my child," the
letter began.
Marlene LaMar said she wrote the letter for her
daughters, Danielle, 21, and Sierra, 15, and also for other mothers. The
letter continues, "It's not always an easy job. A child develops ideas
of their own. Sometimes a mom might disagree because of personal
experiences and wisdom. We hover, discipline and teach them to be
responsible. We do these things because of our unconditional love for
our children! I hope as mothers, we guide them to make good choices."
LaMar
said Friday that she was reflecting on difficulties with her own
mother, and not any she had with Sierra, when she wrote those words.
"I'll
never forget my mother saying, 'You just wait until you have your own
kids,' " LaMar said. "As teens we sometimes don't appreciate our moms,
and later realize when we become mothers ourselves what a major
influence they've had on us."Meanwhile
on Friday, searchers focused on open fields and construction sites in
south Morgan Hill. Divers also inspected two reservoirs in the South San
Jose area, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Sgt. Jose Cardoza.
Sierra
disappeared March 16 on her way to catch a bus to Sobrato High in
Morgan Hill. Investigators are studying a red Volkswagen Jetta sedan
that they suspected might be connected with the case.
A search
operation has been anchored at Burnett Elementary in Morgan Hill.
Thousands of volunteers on searches organized every Wednesday, Saturday
and Sunday have scoured areas for evidence of Sierra. The reward for
information leading to her has increased to $25,000.
Marlene LaMar visits with searchers, has encouraged and thanked volunteers.
Marc
Klaas, of the Klaas Kids Foundation, said he suggested LaMar write the
letter. "It would be something that I thought would be good for her to
do, to reach out to try to make contact with Sierra," he said. The Klaas
foundation has organized the thrice-weekly searches for Sierra.
"I
thought what a great idea, to demonstrate how I feel being Sierra and
Danielle's mom, what they mean to me," LaMar said, "and sending that
message to the mothers." In her letter Friday, LaMar wrote about her
daughter, "I knew she was going to be strong-willed the moment the
doctor saw on the ultrasound that she was doing somersaults in utero.
"Regardless
of the work it takes to raise children, the overwhelming love far
outweighs those moments that you wonder how you'll ever make it
through."
The letter concludes, "The greatest gift that God has
blessed me with is the joy of being a mom to two beautiful daughters. I
love you Danielle and Sierra and I'm so proud to be your mom."
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_20605813/mother-missing-teen-sierra-lamar-issues-mothers-day

Volunteers continue
to search for Sierra LaMar almost two months after she was reported
missing from her north Morgan Hill home, and her family remains grateful
for ongoing fundraising efforts organized by numerous people from the
South Santa Clara County community.


Sierra’s father,
Steve LaMar of Fremont, said the two-month anniversary of his daughter’s
disappearance is a “painful” benchmark.




“This is not how I wanted to acknowledge
this date,” said Sierra’s father, Steve LaMar of Fremont. “But I am
grateful that the community continues to support her cause.”


Authorities think the Sobrato High School
sophomore was kidnapped as she was walking from her house to her school
bus stop near the intersection of Palm and Dougherty avenues.


A volunteer search is scheduled for
Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. Those interested can show up at Burnett
Elementary School, 85 Tilton Ave.


Burnett Elementary has served as a
volunteer “search center” for Sierra since shortly after the 15-year-old
cheerleader was reported missing March 16.


The volunteer searches were initially
organized by the nonprofit KlaasKids Foundation. The search efforts are
now led by local residents and Sierra’s family, but are still supported
by KlaasKids, the Laura Recovery Center, and Chid Quest International.


Also on Saturday, the Safeway grocery
store in Gilroy will host a rummage sale to raise money for the Sierra
LaMar Fund, which supports search efforts and a reward fund for
information leading to Sierra’s safe return. There is currently a
$25,000 reward on the table for such information, offered by her
family.


The rummage sale will take place Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Safeway store is located at 905 First St., in Gilroy.


Interested vendors can reserve a space in
the store’s parking lot to sell their wares. One space costs $25, and
two spaces cost $40, according to Safeway staff.


Those interested in reserving a space can call the store at (408) 842-6446, extension 8.


Another fundraiser for the Sierra LaMar
Fund will take place at Jason Stephens Winery and feature live bands
Sugadady and James Wesley. That will take place 5:30 p.m. Friday, May
25. The winery is located at 11775 Watsonville Road in Gilroy.


The recommended donation amount is $20 per
person at the door. The wine maker will donate a portion of sales from
wine and beer during the event to the Sierra LaMar Fund.


The concert will also feature a live
auction for prizes that include tickets to a Jason Aldean concert at
Shoreline Amphitheater, a reserved table for four at the Jason Stephens
summer songwriters’ concert series, a “wine maker’s dinner” for 10 at
the winery, and San Jose Giants tickets. Other items will be raffled off
in a silent auction.


Anyone with information on Sierra’s possible whereabouts, can contact the Santa Clara County sheriff’s tip line at 299-2311 or tips@sheriff.sccgov.org. Callers can call Sheriff’s Investigators at 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 808-4431. Tips can also be sent via sccgov.org/portal/site/sheriff or by text at 421-6760.
http://www.gilroydispatch.com/articles_from_morgan_hill/family-marks-two-month-anniversary-of-missing-teen/article_18d8877a-34c7-58cf-80ee-fec03c5735d9.html

Sierra LaMar has been missing for two months, and witnesses are
finally coming forward with information regarding the Morgan Hill teen's
disappearance. It's been an uneventful several weeks with there being
very little forensic evidence in the case. That's why it's so important
that these witnesses are finally speaking. That's not the only update in
this case, by the way. The cousin of the missing cheerleader has given a
stern warning to whoever is responsible for her disappearance.

Apparently
the release of details regarding the red VW Jetta has inspired those
with information to come forward in regards to this investigation. It
probably helps that America's Most Wanted aired details on the
Sierra LaMar disappearance, which reached the living rooms of millions
of people. If Sierra is out there somewhere, alive, all of this media
attention will surely bring her out into the open, right? Police have
acknowledged that they have hope the teen is alive, but there have been
far too many other reports indicating otherwise. FBI profilers have even
lent commentary on this case that indicate that she's been victimized
by a serial predator. Hopefully these new witnesses lead detectives in the right direction, so at the least justice can be served.
The
cousin of the missing Morgan Hill teen gave an exclusive interview
where he issued a stern warning to whoever is responsible for Sierra's
disappearance. Keith LaMar, her paternal cousin, said the following:
If
you wanted to create a very high profile case, you got it. If you
wanted to cause heartache and anxiety among friends and family, you got
it. Give Sierra back to the people who care for her. Stop being a
coward, and own up to your actions. I don't believe in any deity, but I
do believe that karma can be very cruel. The longer you keep her from us, the more harsh your fate will be.
No
doubt this is an emotional time for all involved, especially the family
of the missing young woman. With it being exactly two months since she
vanished, it's getting statistically less and less likely that she will
be found in a positive fashion. Nonetheless, hope is important to
harness. No matter how rare the idea is, she could be alive somewhere
waiting to be rescued.
http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981339296

Witnesses Come Forward in LaMar Kidnapping

Details about the red Volkswagen Jetta that's being associated with the disappearance of Sierra LaMar are beginning to emerge, according to the teen's mother.

By Corinne Speckert
May 17, 2012

News about a red Volkswagen Jetta being associated with the disappearance of Morgan Hill teen Sierra Lamar is apparently prompting witnesses to come forward, according to Marlene LaMar.

“It’s just that, with the release of the vehicle that’s out and talking to the media, more people are coming forward,” LaMar said. “I can’t disclose specifically, but law enforcement is interviewing witnesses that are coming forward because of all of that. More people are coming forward, so that’s been a positive thing."

Although detectives working on the LaMar case won’t release many details regarding the Volkswagen’s association, LaMar said authorities are currently looking into whether the VW is the right vehicle, and whether surveillance footage depicts the vehicle in the right location, among other things.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Jose Cardoza said interviews continue to take place, but couldn’t confirm whether more witnesses have specifically resulted from the vehicle.

“Reporters were saying, ‘Oh yeah, you guys were interviewing witnesses because of the car, just in general,' ” Cardoza said. “But to this point, [detectives] haven’t put out information on who exactly they're interviewing.”

Cardoza said investigators have interviewed family members, neighbors, friends and others as the result of tips and leads, but that authorities aren’t disclosing how they're related to the case.

Wednesday, May 16, marked the two month anniversary in Sierra's disappearance. Steve LaMar blogged about the anniversary, stating that the public's support has helped the LaMar family cope and move forward with Sierra's recovery. Steve's post can be read below.

"Although today marks the painful 2-month milestone since my daughter Sierra went missing, my family and I remain positive and confident that she will be back home safe with us soon.

The outstanding care, love and support that the community has shown, enables my family and I to cope with this day and all the previous days since March 16. We are so thankful for this.

We will continue to do everything we can to find Sierra and bring her back safe to us. I ask everyone to keep Sierra in your hearts, thoughts and prayers."

http://losgatos.patch.com/articles/witnesses-come-forward-in-lamar-kidnapping-cc737ec6

Arrest over disappearance of Calif. teen Sierra LaMar; cops suspect murder

May 22, 2012


By NBCBayArea.com and msnbc.com staffA
21-year-old man was arrested late Monday in connection with the murder
and kidnapping of missing California teenager Sierra LaMar, NBCBayArea.com reported.
Antolin
Garcia-Torres, from Morgan Hill, was booked into jail Monday evening
after being taken into custody at a Safeway in Morgan Hill, according to
the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

Sources told the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit that the suspect has been under surveillance for several days.
LaMar, 15, also from Morgan Hill, had been missing for more than two months.
We have arrested a suspect in the kidnapping of Sierra LaMar,” said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.
“He was arrested today because this is how we
thought the arrest should be done and public safety is our main
concern," Smith added. "We don’t want anyone else hurt -- we don’t want
any more little girls taken."
Not only was it the first public
declaration of an arrest or a suspect in the case, it was also the first
time detectives have said what the community has feared since LaMar
vanished on her way to school on March 16: That they think LaMar was
murdered.
However investigators said they had not found her body.
The
sheriff acknowledged this has been a very difficult time for the LaMar
family and asked that the family be left alone Monday night.
The
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department is holding a news conference
Tuesday morning when investigators are expected to release more
information.
The Lamar family is expected to attend the news conference.
Volunteers, officials searched
Volunteers and
sheriff's officials have continuously searched the fields, open spaces
and reservoirs near Morgan Hill since her disappearance, The Associated
Press reported.
The KlaasKids Foundation, founded by Marc Klaas, whose 12-year-old
daughter Polly was kidnapped from her Petaluma home and murdered in
1993, has been organizing volunteer searches on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, the news service added.
Investigators found Sierra's
handbag with clothing and a cellphone along the side of the road near
her home on March 17, the day after Sierra's mother reported her
missing.
Earlier this month, investigators located a red
Volkswagen Jetta they said may have been connected to Sierra's abduction
given that surveillance cameras and witnesses put the car near the area
where authorities believe she disappeared.
Sheriff's officials have released few details about leads in the case, including what, if any, evidence they found in the car.
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11804119-arrest-over-disappearance-of-calif-teen-sierra-lamar-cops-suspect-murder?lite

Authorities say they have found the man involved in the kidnapping and death of Northern California teenager Sierra LaMar, CBS Sacramento reports.
Her disappearance more than two months ago prompted hundreds of
organized search parties performed by volunteers and police alike.Photos: Calif. teen goes missing on walk to school bus
Police
have now identified 21-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres as being
responsible for 15-year-old Sierra LaMar's disappearance. Garcia-Torres
was arrested on suspicion of murder and kidnapping Monday night at a
Safeway store in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith
said at a late Monday news conference.
"We believe we have probable cause that he committed the kidnapping and murder of Sierra LaMar," Smith said.

LaMar
hasn't been seen or heard since she left her home in Morgan Hill to go
to school on March 16. Police believe she was kidnapped while walking to
a school bus stop that morning, according to The Associated Press.
Since
then, volunteers and sheriff's officials continued searches on fields,
open spaces and reservoirs near and around Morgan Hill.
Smith told reporters that investigators gathered "a lot of physical evidence" that ties Garcia-Torres to the case, the San Jose Mercury News reported. No additional information is immediately available but a news conference is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57438966-504083/sierra-lamar-update-antolin-garcia-torres-arrested-in-case-of-missing-calif-teen/

Missing teen Sierra LaMar: 21-year-old man arrested in slaying
May 22, 2012 | 6:34 am PT



More than two months after Bay Area teenager Sierra LaMar disappeared on her way to school, investigators said they have “a lot of physical evidence” linking her to a man arrested on suspicion of murder and kidnapping.

Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, was taken into custody Monday at a Safeway in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith told reporters.

“We believe we have probable cause that he committed the kidnapping and murder of Sierra LaMar,” Smith said.

Garcia-Torres owns the red Volkswagen Jetta previously sought by authorities in connection to the case, the San Jose Mercury News reported. The car was found May 8.

Smith said Garcia-Torres had been under surveillance but did not elaborate. More information about the case is expected to be revealed at a Tuesday morning news conference.

Sierra was last seen heading to school the morning of March 16. The next day, investigators found the high school cheerleader’s cellphone a few blocks away from her school. A day later, her pink Juicy-brand bag was found with a T-shirt and pants neatly folded inside.

The case drew significant attention as volunteers combed the area near Sierra’s home and school. Marc Klaas, whose 12-year-old daughter was kidnapped from their Petaluma home in 1993, helped organize some of those searches.

He told the Mercury News that until Sierra’s body was found, his volunteers would continue looking this week "in hopes of still finding Sierra alive."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/authorities-say-21-year-old-man-killed-missing-teen-sierra-lamar.html

Missing Teen Cheerleader Presumed Murdered; Suspect Arrested

By Mike Fleeman
Tuesday May 22, 2012 03:30 PM EDT

A 15-year-old Northern California high school cheerleader who disappeared in March on the way to the bus stop is believed to have been kidnapped and murdered, and a man has been arrested in the case.

"We believe this is the worst kind of crime – a stranger abduction of a young girl," Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith told a news conference Tuesday.

The body of Sierra LaMar has not been found and authorities have not said how or when she was killed. Smith says only that investigators have "strong facts" LaMar was murdered.

Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, was arrested Monday night at a Safeway supermarket in Morgan Hill, Calif., 70 miles southeast of San Francisco, and booked for investigation of murder and kidnapping based on evidence that included DNA, says Smith.

At the news conference, Sierra’s mother, Marlene LaMar, begged Garcia-Torres to “come forward and say where she is, and end this nightmare for us as a family.”

Garcia-Torres's sister says police have arrested the wrong man.

"It's not him," Lucero Garcia tells the San Jose Mercury News. "It feels like we're in a movie right now, an unfair movie."

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20597581,00.html

Sheriff says Sierra Lamar was murdered; family maintains hope for safe return

By: Bay City News | 05/22/12 10:22 AM

Investigators believe the man arrested Monday in connection with Sierra LaMar’s disappearance kidnapped and murdered the 15-year-old Morgan Hill girl, but her family is maintaining hope that she is still alive.

Fighting back tears, Sierra’s mother Marlene LaMar spoke at a news conference held at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in San Jose this morning.

“I’m not giving up hope,” LaMar said. “Her body has not been found.”

Sheriff Laurie Smith, however, said investigators are convinced that 21-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres, who was arrested Monday evening, abducted and killed Sierra.

“The discovery of Sierra’s cellphone, her clothing, what she wore that day and her personal belongings have contributed to our belief that Sierra is a victim of murder,” Smith said.

Smith said detectives have found no weapon, no blood, and do not know how Sierra may have died.

She said it appears Garcia-Torres did not know Sierra.

“We believe that this is the worst type of crime, a stranger abduction of a young girl,” Smith said.

Smith said Garcia-Torres is a Morgan Hill resident. “He spent most of his life, if not all of his life, in that area.”

Garcia-Torres has been under 24-hour surveillance since March 28, when the sheriff’s office linked him to the crime through DNA evidence left on articles of clothing in Sierra’s discarded purse, which was found about 2 miles from her house days after her March 16 disappearance.

“It was that clothing that was really instrumental in identifying the suspect,” Smith said.

Evidence found in a red Volkswagen Jetta seized by detectives on May 7 gave deputies additional physical evidence implicating Garcia-Torres as Sierra’s kidnapper, Smith said.

Smith said the sheriff’s office had waited to arrest Garcia-Torres in order to gain more evidence.

“We were hoping he would lead us to where Sierra was,” Smith said.

She said Garcia-Torres has been linked to an unrelated assault that occurred in March 2009. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of kidnapping and murder on Monday night.

Smith said investigators have spoken with Garcia-Torres several times, but that Monday night was his first in-custody interview.

“We have gained some value from our interviews with him but nothing substantial,” she said.

At the news conference, Sierra’s mother made a plea to Garcia-Torres to help authorities track down her daughter.

“Please give the information that you have to lead us to Sierra to help end this nightmare,” she said.

Sierra’s father, Steve LaMar, thanked the community for supporting the family in the search for his daughter.

“We still need your support, we need to bring Sierra home,” he said.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/bay-area/2012/05/sheriff-says-sierra-lamar-was-murdered-family-maintains-hope-safe-return#ixzz1vdGeyJbL

Neighbors Say Sierra LaMar Murder Suspect
Kept to Himself. Neighbors told Central Coast News that Antolin
Garica-Torres lived with his pregnant girlfriend and their child at the
Maple Leaf RV Park in Morgan Hill, just down the road from Sierra's
home. They say Garcia-Torres is a very private person.


"I don't know why but when I walk by which
is every night, you know four or five times around to walk. I don't know
why but I told my family I don't know why but this guy gives me an eery
feeling," said Galvan. They say he did not go out of his way to talk to
people who lived close to him. "He kept to himself a lot. I haven't
seen him talking with any neighbors," said Galvan.


While neighbors may not know much about Torres, Morgan Hill Police
do. They arrested him in 2009 for resisting arrest and think they can
link him to three attacks that year. Santa Clara County Sheriff Deputies
arrested Garcia-Torres at his job at Safeway Monday night.
Coworkers didn't want to go on camera but also said Garcia-Torres kept to himself. One employee said he rarely talked to him.



"He's always
sitting out in the bench there smoking by himself. Sometimes he's there
with a young girl," said Galvan. Neighbors say the young girl wasn't
Sierra but they knew something was wrong when search crews started
scouring the area on foot, with dogs and a helicopter.
"It's kind of scary because we've got kids
that live right here you know what I mean? She's been gone since March,
so what if he would have done something else?" said Monica Stevens.



Even though deputies are not linking Garcia-Torres to any crimes at the
trailer park, people who live there are worried about their safety. "
It's scary, very scary, very scary. It gives you something to think
about. You just never know again who your neighbors are," said Galvan.

http://www.kionrightnow.com/story/18600234/neighbors-say-sierra-lamar-murder-suspect-kept-to-himself

There are new details about the criminal past of
the kidnapping and murder suspect in the Sierra LaMar case and the time
he spent in jail.
Twenty-one-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres was arrested
two days ago for Sierra's murder. While his mother has proclaimed his
innocence, Sierra's parents hope he provides some clues as to their
daughter's whereabouts.


Related Photos



Sierra LaMar investigation
View all 10 photos
"I just pray that he releases information to help our search in finding
Sierra," said Sierra's mother, Marlene LaMar. The missing girl's
father, Steve LaMar, echoed those sentiments. "We want some information
to help us," he said. "If we don't get it, we're not going to stop.
We're going to continue with what we're doing and we're going to find
her." Before moving to a Morgan Hill trailer park,
Garcia-Torres lived with his mother in a rental unit that used to stand
in a lot behind a San Martin home. The owner told ABC7 News that
sheriff's deputies were frequent visitors.In 2009, then 18-year-old Garcia-Torres was arrested for having sex
with a minor, a teen who is the mother of the couple's 19-month-old
child.
In 2010, Garcia-Torres was arrested for obstructing
police when they came to arrest another man at his home. He told
deputies, "Get out of my house you ****pigs!" Garcia-Torres was also
charged with vandalism, for graffiti, and plugging a toilet in his jail
cell. For that, he wrote an apology letter saying, "I'm sorry& I got
bored in there."
Sierra's sister, Darlene LaMar, says whether
the suspect talks or not, he will not control her family. "We can't let
him haunt us that way," she said. "We can't give him that power."
Garcia-Torres will be arraigned Thursday afternoon in San Jose on kidnap and murder charges.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/south_bay&id=8674498

Once
again, Antolin Garcia Torres, suspected in the disappearance of
15-year-old Sierra LaMar, came before a judge on Thursday but did not
enter a plea. He was brought to a basement courtroom in handcuffs,
wearing a black jail-issue shirt and red pants. Standing ramrod straight
and looking slightly thinner than when he was arrested two weeks ago,
Garcia Torres said, "Yes your honor," when Judge Jerome Nadler asked if
he understood he was waiving his right to a speedy trial. His next
hearing was scheduled for July 10.
The whole thing was over in two minutes.
The
brevity of the hearing didn't minimize its importance, however,
according to a former assistant district attorney who was in the
courtroom. "This was his formal introduction to the public that will
make up the jury pool, so it was important that he make a good
appearance, and he did that," said Steve Clark, now a criminal attorney.
"His lawyer did a good job preparing him."
It was the first
gathering of the attorneys -- Ken Mandel from the public defender's
office, and assistant DA David Boyd -- who will present the case to a
jury. Because Sierra's body has not been found, the outcome of the trial
will probably be determined by forensic evidence -- especially DNA.
Authorities say they found Garcia Torres' DNA on Sierra's clothing,
which was folded in her Juicy-brand bag tossed into a field two miles
from her home. The missing teen's DNA was found in Garcia Torres'
Volkswagen Jetta,

as well, which led to his arrest
by sheriff's deputies, with guns drawn, at the Morgan Hill Safeway where
he worked as a cashier. Sierra disappeared March 16 on her
way to catch a bus to Sobrato High in Morgan Hill. The case made
national headlines and galvanized the Morgan Hill community, where
volunteers and sheriff's deputies -- spearheaded by the KlaasKids
Foundation -- continued to search this week for her body. Sierra's
family continues to hold out hope she will be found alive, while search
parties attempt to return her body to the family. They are scheduled to
resume the hunt on Saturday.
Sierra's family didn't attend the
hearing, but outside the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice, a number of
Sierra supporters -- wearing T-shirts bearing her face and the word
"MISSING" -- stood vigil. "I want justice for Sierra," said Emma Spencer
of San Jose, who said she had searched for the missing teen four times.
"The parents aren't here, but we're here as support for them. It's just
so sad to see the grief in their faces."
"We're here mostly to
provide support for the family," said Elaine Petrakis, whose son went to
school with Sierra in Fremont. "Just seeing people out here gives them
strength."
Prosecutors had filed a charge of murder against Garcia
Torres in his first court appearance a week ago, but Thursday's hearing
was his first formal hearing with his new attorney at his side. After
the first court appearance, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said that he
won't decide whether to pursue the death penalty against Garcia Torres
until his office completes a full review of the evidence.
Garcia
Torres was also charged with kidnapping. Morgan Hill police say they
believe he carried out at least one other attack in the parking lot of
the Safeway. They're investigating him as a possible suspect in three
unsolved assaults in supermarket parking lots in March 2009. But if he's
acquitted of murder, prosecutors won't be able to convict him on the
kidnapping charge. "The DA's office has pinned its entire case on the
murder," Clark said. "It's a risky strategy when the evidence is as
complicated as it is in this case."
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_20753293/jailed-suspect-sierra-lamar-disappearance-court-again-enters

Santa Clara County authorities conducted their final underwater
search for the body of missing 15-year-old Sierra LaMar on Monday, and
said future searches would be done on the basis of tips and leads.
Dive teams have scoured several reservoirs near the Morgan Hill home
of the high school cheerleader, who investigators said was abducted
March 16 on her way to school.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department took an additional look
at Uvas Reservoir on Monday but had no significant findings to report by
late afternoon, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Sheriff's Sgt. Jose Cardoza told the newspaper that the reservoir,
along with Chesbro Reservoir, was one of the first searched after the
girl's disappearance because they were closest to her home. Since then,
he said, investigators have combed "just about every waterway" within a
12-mile radius of where the teenager was last seen.

Divers used side-scan sonar to search Coyote, Anderson and Almaden
reservoirs, along with several small lakes and ponds on private
property, but found no evidence related to the case, Cardoza said.

He said the Polly Klaas Foundation will continue organized land searches.

Last month, officials arrested a 21-year-old man they said kidnapped
and killed the 15-year-old. Sheriff Laurie Smith said suspect Antolin
Garcia-Torres' DNA was found on a bag of the girl's clothing discovered
not far from where she was last seen.

Investigators said they believe Garcia-Torres, a Morgan Hill resident, picked LaMar at random. He has been charged with murder.

Although her body has not been found, Smith said last month that detectives have "strong facts" that indicate she was killed.

"These are very, very difficult cases to prosecute, a homicide when
you have not found a victim," she said. "But it has been done."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/06/sierra-lamar-divers-final-search.html

As
volunteers in Morgan Hill continue their search for Sierra LaMar, the
family of the missing teen on Wednesday announced the reward fund has
increased to $35,000.
Sierra's father, Steve LaMar, said the
reward is "for any information that leads to the return of Sierra to her
family" or any information "that leads to the successful prosecution of
any individual or individuals involved in her disappearance."
The increase was made possible through fundraisers and donations, Steve LaMar said.
"As
we've said all along, we're hoping it might motivate someone who might
not otherwise come forward," he said. "We hope someone would come
forward because it is the right thing to do.
"But if it takes this reward, we're happy to offer it."
Although
Sierra has not been found, a 21-year-old Morgan Hill man has been
charged with kidnapping and killing the teen, who has been missing since
the morning of March 16 when she left home to catch a school bus at
Dougherty and Palm avenues.
Antolin Garcia Torres, 21, has not yet entered a plea and is next scheduled to appear in court on July 31.
The
search for Sierra continues through the KlaasKids Foundation for
Children, which is organizing volunteer searches on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, according to Steve LaMar.
Volunteers numbering between
70 to 80 on Wednesdays and about 120 on Saturdays are searching new
areas and researching other parts of South County.
"We're still
getting really good turnout," LaMar said.The
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation
into the kidnapping and murder but does not have any more planned water
searches, according to Sgt. Jose Cardoza.
The sheriff's office has
scoured just about every waterway within a 12-mile radius of where the
teen was last seen, including five reservoirs.
Although no additional water searches are planned, divers will return to the water based on tips and leads.
"There will be more water and ground searches," Cardoza said. "The case is still open. We still have to find her."

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_20848468/reward-sierra-lamar-case-increases-35-000

I waited until I read all the posts before posting: I was thinking from the beginning, when you mentioned the clothes being folded... this sick f*ck probably made her take her clothes off at gun or knife point and then told her to fold them neatly... it would have been an incredibly scarey thing for her to have to do.

Sierra LaMar murder suspect does not enter plea, hearing continued to Aug. 29

Julia Prodis Sulek, jsulek@mercurynews.com
Posted: 07/31/2012 08:54:39 AM PDT
Updated: 07/31/2012 11:45:25 AM PDT

The man accused of kidnapping and murdering 15-year-old Sierra LaMar didn't appear at his court hearing Tuesday and his case was continued until Aug. 29. But that didn't stop more than a dozen volunteers who are continuing to search for her from showing up to show their support for the LaMar family.

They started in the courtroom hallway, holding hands in a circle, bowing their heads and praying.

"We'd like to see Sierra come home and justice served," said Tina Ingenthron of Morgan Hill, who lives close to Sierra's home south of Bailey Road. "It's important to keep the awareness out there. Until she is found, the family needs support and we need volunteers helping because if it were their child, they'd want the same."

Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, who waived his right to appear in court Tuesday, is charged with murder with the special circumstance of kidnap, which makes him eligible for the death penalty if the district attorney decides to pursue it. The Morgan Hill suspect, who lived in a trailer park seven miles from Sierra's home, is being held without bail in Santa Clara County jail.

Some of his friends and relatives filled a row in the courtroom, but declined to talk to reporters.

Sierra disappeared March 16 on her way to her school bus stop in a rural area just north of Morgan Hill. Since then, thousands of volunteers have rallied to the aid of the family, joining in searches through the ravines, hillsides and back roads of The man accused of kidnapping and murdering 15-year-old Sierra LaMar didn't appear at his court hearing Tuesday and his case was continued until Aug. 29. But that didn't stop more than a dozen volunteers who are continuing to search for her from showing up to show their support for the LaMar family.

They started in the courtroom hallway, holding hands in a circle, bowing their heads and praying.

"We'd like to see Sierra come home and justice served," said Tina Ingenthron of Morgan Hill, who lives close to Sierra's home south of Bailey Road. "It's important to keep the awareness out there. Until she is found, the family needs support and we need volunteers helping because if it were their child, they'd want the same."

Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, who waived his right to appear in court Tuesday, is charged with murder with the special circumstance of kidnap, which makes him eligible for the death penalty if the district attorney decides to pursue it. The Morgan Hill suspect, who lived in a trailer park seven miles from Sierra's home, is being held without bail in Santa Clara County jail.

Some of his friends and relatives filled a row in the courtroom, but declined to talk to reporters.

Sierra disappeared March 16 on her way to her school bus stop in a rural area just north of Morgan Hill. Since then, thousands of volunteers have rallied to the aid of the family, joining in searches through the ravines, hillsides and back roads of Gilroy and Morgan Hill.

Read More: http://www.mercurynews.com/sierra-lamar/ci_21199390/sierra-lamar-murder-suspect-scheduled-enter-plea

Sierra searchers: We need more info
Sheriff’s office says nothing new to release while volunteers continue five months after teen went missing

Posted: Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:30 pm
Updated: 6:09 pm, Thu Aug 16, 2012.

Five months after Sierra LaMar disappeared from her north Morgan Hill neighborhood, experts leading the volunteer efforts to find the teen say they have a critical need for more information from sheriff’s investigators in order to “fine tune” their ongoing search.

Volunteers from Morgan Hill and surrounding communities, working with Sierra’s family and the KlaasKids Foundation, have done just about everything they can with the information they have, and they hope to enlist more communication this week from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office to turn the search into a “wonderful collaborative effort,” according to KlaasKids search director Brad Dennis.

“We’re at a physical and emotional level here,” said Dennis, who flew back to the Bay Area from his home in Florida this week to re-evaluate the search efforts. “There’s still a daughter that’s missing, and a family that needs closure, and we’re not getting any closer to that.”

At the Sierra Search Center at Burnett Elementary School Wednesday morning, Dennis praised the sheriff’s investigators’ work in identifying and arresting a suspect in Sierra’s murder and kidnapping, but the need to find Sierra or her remains is a crucially separate aspect to the case.

Since the arrest Antolin Garcia Torres, 21 of Morgan Hill, the lines of communication between the nonprofit foundation and law enforcement have “fallen off.”

“We can bring in a lot more resources if we’re given more information” from law enforcement, Dennis said, adding, “Our goal would be to reach out and make contact with investigators today and see what they’re willing to share with us.”

KlaasKids founder Marc Klaas said one example of how more information might help them is they could bring in their own water-searching teams to scour creeks and streams in the South County area.

For their part, sheriff’s investigators haven’t received any new leads or information on the case lately, according to Sgt. Jose Cardoza. He added that the sheriff’s office has worked with the searchers since they started their efforts, but investigators have not provided them any information that has not been released to the general public.

“We’ve never stopped working with the search teams,” Cardoza said. “I’m sure the investigators will continue to work with them.”

Cardoza added that because of the lack of recent leads, the sheriff’s office does not have any planned search efforts coming up, but they will follow up on leads if and when they receive any. The sheriff’s office scoured the earth and water during the first three months of the investigation, even using sonar equipment and sending in divers to reservoirs and other waterways throughout South County.

Sheriff Laurie Smith did not return a phone call before press time Thursday.

KlaasKids’ search director was directly involved in the search for Sierra in the initial weeks. His return to Morgan Hill represents somewhat of a turning point in the search.

“Brad Dennis will be putting a new set of eyes on the search, a fresh perspective based on knowledge and experience,” Klaas said Wednesday morning.

The volunteer searches have continually been “re-evaluated” in the nearly five months they have been searching for Sierra, who was reported missing March 16. KlaasKids searchers and volunteers have been looking for the Sobrato High School sophomore in a tightly organized effort since late March.

The need to fine-tune such efforts are common in searches for missing children, which is KlaasKids’ specialty.

“There’s always a constant need to come in and re-evaluate your priorities,” Dennis said.

That includes previous resets of the parameters of the search, which has expanded geographically in the last four months to a 20-mile radius.

Klaas, whose own daughter Polly was kidnapped and murdered at the age of 12 in 1993, called that radius “incredible.”

Sierra disappeared the morning of March 16, as she was walking to her school bus stop near the intersection of Palm and Dougherty avenues - about a half-mile from her home, according to authorities.

Arrested in May was Garcia Torres, who was charged with killing and kidnapping the 15-year-old cheerleader. Garcia Torres appeared in court days after his arrest for an arraignment, but waived his right to appear at his last hearing Aug. 10. He has not yet entered a plea.

Investigators have not found Sierra’s remains, but they think she is dead based on her lack of contact with anyone since March 16 and her lack of independent means of financial support. DNA evidence found in Garcia Torres’ car, and on some of Sierra’s possessions found shortly after her disappearance places the two together, even though they didn’t know each other beforehand, according to authorities.

The lengthy and ongoing search for Sierra is unique among previous searches for missing children conducted by KlaasKids. Generally such efforts are rarely “this active” five months after the child went missing.

Klaas credits the “loyalty and perseverance” of the unwavering volunteers who continue to return to the twice-weekly search schedule. “They’ve been through a lot,” including even some injuries suffered in the field, Klaas said.

The Sierra Search Center has sent out a total of 915 volunteer search teams since March, according to Dennis. Those teams represent nearly 9,000 individual searchers, counting each regular volunteer’s return.

Volunteer efforts continue every Wednesday and Saturday.

At the search center Wednesday morning, about 30 volunteers arrived before 8:30 a.m. On Saturday, about 80 volunteers showed up, according to Cecilia Ponzini, 60 of Morgan Hill, a volunteer who has helped with administrative work at the search center since March.

Saturday’s tally is a slight jump from the average attendance in recent weeks, which has seen between 40 and 50 searchers show up for each effort, said Ponzini, who has four children and five grandchildren.

“We need to keep hope alive,” said Ponzini. “I’d feel bad if I didn’t come. We just need to bring Sierra LaMar home.”

One volunteer who just recently started helping with the search for Sierra is Roland Barreras, 42 of Morgan Hill. Barreras’ son Jesse Saldivar, also a Morgan Hill resident, was murdered in Hollister just over a year ago at the age of 18.

Barreras was one of the first volunteers to arrive at the search center Wednesday, in his second week of searching for Sierra.

“It’s like a healing thing,” he said. “I was encouraged by the way the community helped me, and helped Tara Romero,” the 14-year-old Sobrato High School freshman who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Morgan Hill last November. “I’m inspired by the constant searchers that keep coming out. In unlikely circumstances, this community has come together, and I want to be a part of that and I know that’s what my son would want me to do.”

Sierra’s family have posted a $35,000 reward for information leading to the missing teen’s whereabouts.

U.S. Congressman Jerry McNerney of Stockton, who represents the 11th congressional district which includes Morgan Hill, will be at the Sierra Search Center for Saturday’s efforts, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Volunteers continue to raise money for the search efforts.

On Sept. 15, volunteers will operate an information booth about the search for Sierra at the “Hot Cars and Guitars” concert and car show at Bolado Park in Hollister, according to volunteer Barbara Hammarstrom of San Jose.

That event will feature Shane Dwight and Tommy Castro performing musical acts, as well as food and beverage vendors and camping.

The purpose of the Sierra search volunteers’ booth is to raise awareness and seek donations, Hammarstrom said.

http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/crime_fire_courts/sierra-search-center-wants-more-information-from-sheriff-s-office/article_cdaebe43-3f31-5412-aee3-a59a83f8dc74.html

Sierra's suspect scheduled to plea Wednesday

Posted: Monday, August 27, 2012 7:16 pm
Updated: 9:18 am, Tue Aug 28, 2012
by Michael Moore

Antolin Garcia Torres, the Morgan Hill man accused of murdering missing cheerleader Sierra LaMar, will appear in court Wednesday for a plea hearing.

Garcia Torres, 21, will appear at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose at 2 p.m. He is charged with murder, with a special circumstance of kidnapping.

The suspect waived his right to appear at his last hearing July 31.

Sierra has been missing from her mother’s north Morgan Hill home since March 16. Santa Clara County sheriff’s investigators think she was kidnapped that morning while walking to her school bus stop near the intersection of Palm and Dougherty avenues.

Sierra, 15, was a sophomore at Sobrato High School at the time of her disappearance. She moved to Morgan Hill from Fremont with her mother and mother’s boyfriend about six months before she disappeared.

Garcia Torres was arrested May 21 for his alleged involvement in the crime.

Authorities have not found Sierra or her remains, but the district attorney thinks she is dead based on her lack of contact with anyone since her disappearance, and the fact that she has no means of independent financial support.

Sierra’s family and volunteers from the KlaasKids Foundation continue to search for her every Wednesday and Saturday. However, no searches are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1, due to the Labor Day holiday, according to Sierra’s family.

Earlier this month, search coordinators, including KlaasKids founder Marc Klaas, reported a frustrating leveling off in search progress, and they need more information from investigators in order to potentially shift their tactics.

For more information about the search for Sierra, go to

http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/crime_fire_courts/sierra-s-suspect-scheduled-to-plea-wednesday/article_6bfe8094-f0b6-11e1-aeb2-001a4bcf6878.html

Authorities say body found in California not that of Sierra LaMar

09/07/2012

Friday afternoon authorities confirmed the body found in Aromas, Calif. is not that of presumed dead teen Sierra LaMar.

The body, reportedly found Friday morning by a hiker on a rural road, is now being examined to determine its identity.

Initially, the age and sex of the body could not be determined, however, KTVU reports the remains belong to a female who was murdered, as the death is being investigated as a homicide.

View slideshow:  Search Continues for Body of Presumed Murdered California Teen Sierra LaMar

Sierra, 15, went missing on March 16 on her way to a school bus stop.

 Her body has not yet been found, however, only a day after she vanished, her cell phone was recovered in a field less than a mile from her home. A day after that, her school books, purse, and clothing were found near a shed in a field less than two miles from her home, according to Mercury News.

Antolin Garcia Torres, 21, has been charged with her kidnap and murder. His DNA was discovered on her clothing, while her DNA was found in his car.

http://www.examiner.com/article/authorities-say-body-found-california-not-that-of-sierra-lamar

Sierra LaMar Murder Suspect Back In Court

Posted: Oct 04, 2013 1:17 AM CST
Updated: Oct 04, 2013 1:17 AM CST
By Jasmine Viel

SAN JOSE, Calif.- Déjà Vu in court again Thursday when the man arrested for the murder and kidnapping of 15-year-old Morgan Hill teenager Sierra LaMar made an appearance, but did not enter a plea.

Antolin Garcia-Torres was back in front of a judge. LaMar disappeared in 2012 on her way to school. Her body has not been found.

Central Coast News spoke with the family back in March who said that even a year later, the pain of losing Sierra still feels the same. Sierra's father, Steve LaMar said this was an anniversary no one wanted to wake up to. "I was hoping we wouldn't be here," said LaMar.

Sierra's mother Marlene said every day of this past year has been agonizing. "the anguish and pain is just as difficult today as it was the day of the abduction, that hasn't changed," said LaMar.

Investigators said Sierra disappeared on the way to school on March 16th 2012. Her cell phone and purse were found in a field nearby. Months later deputies arrested Antolin Garcia-Torres for her murder.

http://www.kionrightnow.com/story/23607071/sierra-lamar

Garcia Torres hearing rescheduled
Suspected Sierra LaMar murderer to appear in court April 16 in San Jose

Posted: Monday, March 3, 2014 2:32 pm
Updated: 3:05 pm, Mon Mar 3, 2014.



Monday’s hearing for Antolin Garcia Torres on charges of murder and attempted carjacking was rescheduled for April 16, according to a Santa Clara County Superior Court spokesman.

Garcia Torres, 22 of Morgan Hill, pleaded not guilty last month at the Hall of Justice in San Jose to the charge that he murdered Sierra LaMar, 15 of Morgan Hill, nearly two years ago.

http://www.gilroydispatch.com/articles_from_morgan_hill/garcia-torres-hearing-rescheduled/article_178d5d71-3405-5ae1-9ccd-a0a510b2dcc4.html

From Mark Klaas (FB)
26 mins ago

With Sierra LaMar's parents at the Search Center. Sierra has been missing two years tomorrow.

Search effort for missing California teen Sierra LaMar continues two years after cheerleader’s mysterious disappearance
Volunteers continue to comb the area for clues — or a body — as Antolin Garcia-Torres, who has pleaded not guilty, sits in jail awaiting trial for her kidnapping and murder.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, March 15, 2014, 10:33 AM


Two years after a California cheerleader vanished while on her way to school, volunteers haven't given up the search to bring her back home.

Sierra LaMar disappeared on the morning of March 16, 2012 near Morgan Hill, Calif., while walking to the school bus stop, and hasn't been seen or heard from since.

And though a man — 22-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres — was arrested in 2012 and charged with her kidnapping and murder, the community continues the search for the 15-year-old Sierra.

"I'm inspired by the strength of the LaMars," volunteer Roger Nelson told NBC Bay Area ahead of the two-year anniversary of Sierra's disappearance.

Find Sierra LaMar via Facebook

Sunday marks the two-year anniversary of the disappearance and suspected murder of Morgan Hill teenager Sierra Lamar.
Hundreds of volunteers have dedicated tens of thousands of hours to the grim task of searching for the teen’s body, but there have been few leads.

Still, search parties diligently assemble every Saturday morning — rain or shine — to scour ponds, lakes, and the rugged terrain of the surrounding area.


"We want Sierra home," 48-year-old volunteer Marie Rankin told the San Jose Mercury News.


Find Sierra LaMar via Facebook

Volunteers continue to search for signs of Sierra Lamar, two years after she disappeared.

"Not finding her has just been torture for the family," she added, saying that finding a body would at least bring Sierra's parents, Steve and Marlene LaMar, closure.

For Sierra’s father, two years of uncertainty has been agony.

"I wouldn't wish this on anyone," Steve LaMar, told Central Coast News on Friday. The only clues he and his wife have to build on are her cell phone and purse, which were found near their home in Morgan Hill.

Garcia-Torres, a former supermarket employee, pleaded not guilty to Sierra's murder in February of this year during an arraignment, and is currently in the Santa Clara County Jail. Authorities said in 2012 that Sierra's DNA was found in his Volkswagen Jetta.

AP
Authorities arrested Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, on May 21, 2012, in the abduction of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar.
Sierra and Garcia-Torres did not know each other, police said.


He has yet to go to trial.

The LaMar's private investigator, Mark Garcia, told NBC Bay Area that he has an inkling as to where the teen's body might lie, but refused to comment further on his possible findings.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Deputy Peter Robinson, of the Santa Clara County Sheriff Underwater Search Unit, searches a pond in Morgan Hill, Calif.

Any time there's a new lead, Steve LaMar said he experiences a whirlwind of different emotions, spinning between "nervous and positive."

"We don't want them to find anything, really," he told NBC Bay area.

On Sunday, the family plans to dedicate a bench at Washington High School, where Sierra was a student.

Anyone with info about Sierra or her whereabouts, is asked to call The Santa Clara County Sheriff at 408-808-4500, 408-299-2311. Anonymous tipline 408-808-4431. Email tips: tips@sheriff.sccgov.org


ON A MOBILE DEVICE? WATCH VIDEO HERE

Death Penalty Sought In Disappearance Of Sierra LaMar



May 19, 2014 12:18 PM





SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a man charged with kidnapping and killing a 15-year-old Northern California girl whose body has not been found, the District Attorney’s Office said on Monday.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said he made the decision to seek capital punishment against Antolin Garcia-Torres in the 2012 disappearance of Sierra LaMar after a “comprehensive review” by a committee of senior prosecutors.

“I have concluded that this defendant should face the ultimate penalty,” Rosen said. He said he would not be making any additional comments to ensure that Garcia-Torres receives a fair trial.

Garcia-Torres has pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in the Sierra case. He is also accused of attempting to kidnap three women during carjackings in 2009.

Sierra, who remains missing, was last seen by her family leaving her Morgan Hill home for school in March 2012. Her school books, purse and clothing were found near a shed in a field about 2 miles from her home on March 18.

Garcia-Torres was arrested two months later after authorities say they found Sierra’s DNA in his car and his DNA in her handbag. Investigators seized Garcia-Torres’ Volkswagen Jetta on April 7 from a trailer he shared with his mother, girlfriend and young daughter.

Garcia-Torres lived about 7 miles from LaMar.

Sheriff’s officials have said Sierra and Garcia-Torres did not know each other. Her abduction is believed to be a random act of violence.



http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2014/05/19/death-penalty-sought-in-disappearance-of-sierra-lamar/

Case Against Sierra LaMar Murder Suspect Postponed Again

By NBC Bay Area Staff
Wednesday, Nov 12, 2014 • Updated at 4:09 PM PST

They are still waiting for justice.

The family of Morgan Hill teenager Sierra LaMar, who was kidnapped and killed two years ago, was back in court Wednesday.

A judge again postponed the case against Antolin Garcia-Torres, the only suspect in the case. He is due back in court Feb. 25.

According to investigators, DNA evidence links him to the 15-year-old girl, who was last seen walking to school in 2012.

Sierra’s body has not been found. Volunteers still search for her every Saturday morning.

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sierra-LaMar-Case-Grand-Jury-Report-Highlights-DNA-Evidence-282493141.html