.
Feedback

DNA Leads Detectives to LaMar Murder Suspect

Investigators have been tracking the suspect for over a month.

The Monday arrest of Morgan Hill resident Antolin Garcia-Torres, who now faces charges of kidnapping and murdering Sierra LaMar, may have seemed sudden, but investigators have been tracking the suspect for over a month. 

Here's a brief breakdown detailing how detectives identified Garcia-Torres as a suspect.

Garcia-Torres’ identity was revealed through lab results on March 28. Samples of the DNA found on Sierra’s clothing were put into a system that identified Garcia-Torres that day, according to investigators. Detectives began a 24-hour surveillance on the new suspect. 

Torres’ DNA also linked him to three assaults in South Santa Clara County in 2009. Of those three assaults, a confirmed link was made between Garcia-Torres and an assault involving a Taser, furthering substantiating authorities' belief that Garcia-Torres could be the suspect they've sought for over two months.

For previous coverage of the Sierra LaMar case, refer to the Sierra LaMar Disappearance: Comprehensive Updates and Information page on Gilroy Patch.

ana May 23, 2012 at 05:08 pm
to view his old myspace look up "lucky all day" that was his user name....he used to live in San Martin
Zinn May 23, 2012 at 05:25 pm
One thing for sure, if they found his DNA on her clothing and her DNA in his car and if the DNA also links him to other assaults he is no doubt the murderer. Thank God for DNA. This DNA technology could have a serious impact on crime. You can't hide from your own DNA...
John May 23, 2012 at 09:30 pm
The thing they said was they didnt find no blood and no body wierd I wonder what kind of dna do they have to determine that she is truly dead.
nikol May 26, 2012 at 07:06 pm
T Hendrik... They found her bag the next day, DNA WAS ON HER BELONGINGS IN HER BAG DUH FRIGGIN HUH. Forensics tested that bag with days after it was found and yes, there holds a small possibility that she could've still been alive up until a week or so before they found him.. HENCE her body HAS NOT been found, posing the small opportunity she could be alive but judging on her dna in his car, which I'm sure smart people could figure out, is blood. Most likely from her abduction or worse, murder. Sick people gave been known to keep humans alive for torture and rape for many weeks, months, then decide to kill them, so yeah, following him around for all that time did no good as she could've very well been alive..so think, please, and understand if you can as to what I'm getting at before you call names.
nikol May 26, 2012 at 07:17 pm
John, it was blood. She was abducted, supposedly, most likely attacked. So yes, blood was the dna they found..it is the only thing that cannot be washed out, as your dna stays. Luminol,, look it up. Its sprayed onto objects and when the lights go out, if there is blood, it glows like a night stick. you can scrub, bleach and wash til you're blue in the face, it will always show up. Unless he missed a spot. Also, the constant back and forth water searches gave it away. There is a reason WHY they have been doing that over and over. When the police say they have no leads, they do. They just keep it on hush mode. I don't believe however she was kidnapped. I believe she got in the car willingly, he hit her, she bled, he raped her and took her to wherever she's at now. I also believe her belongings were not tossed the same day. No blood on the clothes suggests she was still alive when they were taken off. She could've been held captive, naked, then murdered. Watch it be one of those things where she's buried outside his home or something like that. Unless he has a relative who did it. Remember, dna matches. I doubt he was alone in this matter. If it was indeed true she died the same day, her body would've been found by now.
nikol May 26, 2012 at 07:24 pm
T hendrik, try thinking outside the box. And if you don't know what that means look it up on google. Its a phrase commonly used telling people to use just a wee bit more brain than normally, and instead of seeing what you see, see beyond that. Surveillance wouldn't help this. As I said, she could've been alive but he eventually killed her, like at his job, a friends house, somewhere. Use ur brain.. Because they didn't see the obvious, doesn't mean he wasn't hiding things, such as Sierra. Duh
Ruthann Santana Haro Sforza May 26, 2012 at 09:31 pm
I Think this guy took advantage of a pretty young lady walking down the road alone.threatening her and scaring her and forcing her to get in the car,then he beat and raped her.and now he wont say where shes at.think about it .in his little mind hes thinking hes gonna get away with it. I think their was someone else helped him. he needs to confess to the poice where shes at now,and then taken for a ride he will never forget like he took seirra its time for his ride like days and months ago.
Ruthann Santana Haro Sforza May 26, 2012 at 09:36 pm
I hope shes alive and healthy and not damaged in any way shape or form.My heart goes out to the family.ive been folowing this case for months,ive i lived coser i would beon the voulenteer crew and hep find her for sure. pLease bring this gir home her family needs her seirra needs her faMILY.
Zinn May 26, 2012 at 09:41 pm
What has not been explained or perhaps I missed the explanation is how did they connect the DNA to Garcia-Torres? The article said they "put it into a system" which identified him and linked him to three other assaults. Why wasn't he charged in those other assaults? They had his DNA right? Why wasn't his DNA ran through the system years ago that links him to the other assaults that took place years ago? I don't get it..
Kay M May 27, 2012 at 01:50 pm
Also, someone must have been with him because if she's alive, where is she? Probably at the other person's house. They should've found her book bag/ whatever she had with her if Garcia-tores held her captive. I believe he threw the bag and phone out the car window so Sierra couldn't use them. The bag they found was probably her purse that she took to school (like a normal teenage girl) and he took the stuff out of it and replaced it with clothes to maybe throw us off. Why don't we ask her parents what she wore to school that morning?
Kay M May 27, 2012 at 02:05 pm
I believe that she was running away from home (that's why she had a bag of clothes) and then he threatned her (to get in the car) then he beat her, raped her and then killed her.
tina May 29, 2012 at 01:58 pm
Why dont you people follow the case , everything that you people have asked on here has been answered , iam one of Sierra's friends , we went to Ann Sobrato High together , she was a new student her Soph year & she hung out with me & few of my friends . Sierra wouldnt of Ran away , she isnt like that , seeing all these comments are annoying , His DNA WAS found on her clothes she WAS wearing the DAY she went missing . & they found her DNA in his car , ihave hope she STILL is alive , & ido believe someone other than Antolin was involved , ijust want her to come back to school , we miss her . Please everyone DONT loose Hope , we WILL bring her home </3
tina May 29, 2012 at 01:59 pm
Why dont you people follow the case , everything that you people have asked on here has been answered , iam one of Sierra's friends , we went to Ann Sobrato High together , she was a new student her Soph year & she hung out with me & few of my friends . Sierra wouldnt of Ran away , she isnt like that , seeing all these comments are annoying , His DNA WAS found on her clothes she WAS wearing the DAY she went missing . & they found her DNA in his car , ihave hope she STILL is alive , & ido believe someone other than Antolin was involved , ijust want her to come back to school , we miss her . Please everyone DONT loose Hope , we WILL bring her home </3
triple@family May 29, 2012 at 05:40 pm
Anything new over the weekend??? and they still havent said anything about women found in the 45 gallon trash can? Need updates please...
Corinne Speckert May 29, 2012 at 06:33 pm
Hi. Thanks for the email. I'm waiting to hear back from the Sheriff's Office. If there were any significant updates, they typically send an email, but I'm double checking to make sure. I'm also following up on the body found in Pleasanton. I'm sure you read both of the below stories, but in case you missed one, here are the links:
http://gilroy.patch.com/articles/updated-autopsy-results-fail-to-identify-woman-found-in-trash-can-64952065 http://gilroy.patch.com/articles/lamar-search-efforts-focus-on-south-county-public-asked-to-join They're updates from Friday. I'll post a comment here as soon as I have an update, promise!
danielle July 10, 2012 at 06:54 pm
wow! i looked it up he is very strange and has some weird pictures and unusual videos..
Tom Foolery July 11, 2012 at 11:27 am
The wheels of justice are too slow for me. I don't have patience for losers like this.. Got DNA.... whoops you're guilty...bye bye... so long.....Next....... Some bleeding heart will probably explain to me why Garcia needs to be out on bail.... Public hangings would be fine with me... Justice ......get it done.
Tara Adams July 11, 2012 at 01:31 pm
Wow, looks like you have a complete handle on this investigation. "She's long gone now idiots!!" ??? Really? Well, her friends and family, such as myself still hold out hope that she is still alive, so please keep your unadulterated comments to yourself. You seem to know so much about the investigation, like the DNA found was blood? hmmm, never has anyone said that. Oh, she got in the car with him willingly? I'm sure you know that because you knew her so well that she would just do that. Your comments and they way you write your predictions on what happened are articulated a bit ignorantly.
Tara Adams July 11, 2012 at 01:32 pm
Really? Running away from home? There was no reason for her to run away from home, you people are funny.
Zinn July 11, 2012 at 04:55 pm
Dude, how did his DNA get on her clothes and how did her DNA get in his car? The guy's DNA also matched three other sexual assaults. This guy is as guilty as you are a naive bleeding heart..
Lisa Guzman July 18, 2012 at 01:18 pm
WTF ARE YOU PEOPLE TALKIN ABOUT!!!... YOU PEOPLE DONT KNOW SIERRA!!!... THIS GIRL WAS ABDUCTED SHE DID NOT GET IN THAT ANIMALS CAR WILLINGLY!!!... STOP ACTING LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT YOURE TALKIN ABOUT!!!...
randy July 18, 2012 at 01:52 pm
Lisa.. I think that if you toned down on your shouting and language, it would be better. The only ones that know what happened to Sierra are the suspect and the victim. Hopefully everyone will know what happened and she will be found.
God bless her family.
Lisa Guzman July 18, 2012 at 08:14 pm
Hey randy if I read a comment that someone commented about PRINCESS SIERRA!!!... Then they will hear what I've got to say pal! And oh wait excuse me language??? What language???... Shouting will be my thing if I read something totally FALSE! about PRINCESS SIERRA!!!... ok got it???... This comment wasn't directed at you it was about the ignorant comments!... Ty
Michelle Fitzsimmons July 18, 2012 at 09:08 pm
Hi there. Please be sure to keep your comments respectful, everyone. This is a place for dialogue and discussion, not attacks. While expressing your opinions and emotions is welcome, we want this to be a space where people feel they can ask questions without being attacked. Thank you.
randy July 18, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Lisa.. I didn't mean any offense. It is frustrating to everyone ...
When I see Sierra's mom and dad.. my heart aches. The unknown is terrible. My son was taken but for only hours (like 4) and I thought I would go out of my mind. he was only 4 at the time. So not comparing really. A friends daughter (she was 16) was taken and found two days later brutally murdered. It is hard to believe that there are people in this world that would do things like this. The LaMar's are all in my prayers.
Lisa Guzman July 18, 2012 at 10:28 pm
They can question but not speak like they know it all when it's truly false that I have a problem with!
randy July 18, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Lisa.. I agree with you. Also some posts have been removed because of the insensitivity and rudeness.
Speculation is good but sometimes it can make matters worse.
Trevor August 26, 2012 at 01:45 pm
Seriously, stop with the B.S! This is just another case police has to solve. This happens daily throughout the world we live in; gruesome murders, kidnappings, fatality, etc. You people need to stop stating your opinions as facts. We're just news watchers, and we don't know how Sierra felt that day, what happen the night before, or what actually happened.
I'll tell you my opinion, but don't get it twisted with being a fact. Antolin is not a good crime person. He left evidence by touching Sierra's belongings without gloves. Call that smart? Do you think he's smart enough to make police wonder where her body is over 4 months? Even if he didn't touch Sierra, he's part of this crime with a partner-n-crime. He might had been the middle man agreeing to do this crime in his car. So bottom line, he's not going anywhere because this man is part of this conflict. Dogs senses are accurate. The dog's search went dry not even past the drive way. That's where questions flow in. Was Sierra expecting a ride? Was Sierra texting a friend walking past to the bus stop? Sierra's mother claim she takes the bus at 7:15, so was she in the house the whole time? Add it up, it's going to show answers. Sierra had to be at home because the dogs didn't even smell her scent past her drive way. This case is scary and sad!
Trevor August 26, 2012 at 01:49 pm
RIght now, we only want Sierra LaMar back home to her family or we want STRONG JUSTICE!
Jane Doe March 16, 2013 at 03:53 pm
They stated that her LAST tex message was sent to a friend, about meeting up to exchange makeup with one another at school. Now I dont know exactly the mind set of the friend she was texting but since Sierra obviously did NOT show up, Im wondering if that seemed somewhat odd to her friend. Like did it make her think "thats odd, she said she would be here" ... because of the fact that nobody suspected anything was wrong, the bus driver, the school, her friend she text , that allowed this FREAK OF NATURE to have the entire day and THEN SOME to do as he pleased. I pray for her family.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Gilroy Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Mary Ann KannelyPuente May 24, 2013 at 09:24 pm
The other issue is if the Library is run by volunteers then union jobs will be lost. In other wordsRead More if the work can be done for free why pay someone.
Laura Case May 24, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Ken Simmons, I don't know who made you privy to the information that you have, but you should haveRead More checked your sources. The information you have posted here is inaccurate and misleading. Yes, it is due to budgets cuts and recommendations of the country fiscal advisor that all Library Clerk II positions have been eliminated, but note that it is all. And there was never a decision to pack up the books and put them in storage. On the contrary, the collection will stay intact, and will be covered and protected the same way it is every summer to prevent sun and dust damage. No parents have come forward to volunteer to run the library. Not one! And the decisions that have been made by the district are exactly that, the District's - the unions are not the problem here. If you want to stir up drama, try sticking to the truth, and try using it to make a difference and set things right for our students!
John May 31, 2013 at 11:42 am
Laura - I do not know what your position is or where your information comes from. With respect toRead More this particular issue, I have no knowledge, but as a former contractor whose kids went to public schools, I tried several times to clean up/repair/restore bathrooms, replace rotting windows and frames, etc. only to be told "NO", and not just no, but emphatically so. Only from the janitors and maintenance personnel could I find a rational reason, which was the protection of union jobs. Not really rational, however, as the maintenance people were all supportive of getting the work done (completely for free), as they admitted they would never,ever be able to get to it, even if they had the skills. Additionally, as a former tutor through the "No Child Left Behind" program, I think anyone would find it impossible to volunteer to do such a thing as tutoring - for pretty much the same reasons. Private schools thrive and blossom through the use of volunteers. Our area especially is overflowing with qualified people that could and would volunteer to help our schools. As the population ages, the available pool of potential volunteers will grow substantially. Many of the schools' problems could be addressed through the use of volunteers for everything from maintenance to kitchen help to tutoring and, yes, even teaching - god forbid. Will any of this happen? Not as long as the unions are primarily out for themselves and the districts are circling the wagons, both pretty much ignoring the needs of their students. Think about all of this the next time a school bond measure comes up. More money is not the answer. Far less money might help drive true results actually reflected in benefits to the kids.
R. Gabriner May 13, 2013 at 02:37 pm
Nice work Blanca. An excellent student in our program. Dr. Robert Gabriner, Director, EducationalRead More Leadership Doctoral Program San Francisco State University
Berto April 12, 2013 at 07:27 pm
From one of the interviews I watched online, it seems that many Saratoga High students knew whatRead More happened at the party and had seen the pictures. How is it that arrests did not follow the assault and the suicide for over 6 months? Could it be that the students who knew information about the felony chose to remain silent? I hope that is not the case; we will surely find out as the details of the case are revealed in the media over the next weeks and months. In the meantime lets make sure we are teaching our kids about the responsibility of living in community and caring about others. God forbid that any of the students have to live with the knowledge that they could have prevented the suicide, or with the knowledge that they helped cover up such a heinous crime.
Tamra~Kathleen April 13, 2013 at 05:51 pm
The offensive comment we're discussing shows a complete lack of respect for women that permeates ourRead More culture. That this person actually thought this poor young girl had culpability for her attack is a symptom of our societies disregard for women. I'm actually glad he made the comment so we can look at and discuss the problem.
Raymond Ruiz April 13, 2013 at 10:54 pm
It just don't matter how she dresses,whoo her parents are or aren't. Nobody and I mean Nobody hasRead More the right to rape or force a femsle to have sex with her,and then to make matters worse,they posted pictures of her on facebook ! Better we as a community should be asking,what would possess the young guys to do something like this ! That is why We have Our teenagers and kids passwords or no internet period ! As a parent my heart goes out to het and her parents !