Monday, May 21, 2012

Police: Suspect in Sierra LaMar disappearance facing murder and kidnapping charges - KRON 4

By: Brian Shields - Tue, 22 May 2012 00:31:37 -0800

SAN JOSE (KRON) -- A 21-year old Morgan Hill man is facing murder and kidnapping charges in the disappearance of 15-year old high school cheerleader Sierra Lamar.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies confirm they've arrested 21-year old Antolin Garcia-Torres at his job at a Morgan Hill Safeway store.

Detectives say they believe Garcia-Torres is responsible for Sierra's disappearance.  He was booked into the Santa Clara County jail Monday evening.  Authorities have called an 8:00 a.m. news conference for Tuesday to provide more details in the case.

It's now been more than two months since Sierra was last seen leaving her mother's home in rural Morgan Hill to catch the bus to take her to school.  Her cell phone and purse containing folded up clothes were recovered not far away.

Hundreds of volunteers have been searching the area around Marlene Lamar's house in hopes of finding more evidence.  Sheriff's department dive teams have also used side-scanning sonor to look for possible remains in area ponds and reservoirs.

So far authorities haven't said what evidence they have that Sierra may be dead to justify the murder charge.

Stay tuned to KRON 4 and KRON4.com for the latest on this developing story.

(Copyright 2012, KRON 4, All rights reserved.)