DNA Leads Detectives to LaMar Murder Suspect

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.