, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith revealed the circumstances that led to the Monday night arrest of , 21, of Morgan Hill in connection to the kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar.
According to Smith, based off of evidence law enforcement agencies have gathered from and the continued belief that Sierra is not a runaway candidate, investigators do not believe Sierra is alive.
The LaMar family remains hopeful that she is.
"I'm hopeful that because her body has not been found and because certain things weren't found in the vehicle," Marlene LaMar said during the press conference.
Smith said that forensic results have linked Sierra's DNA to the suspect's vehicle, , though she would not say what kind of DNA was found nor where it was located on the vehicle.
The LaMar family thanked the public and asked for their continued outreach and support as the search for Sierra continues.
"We need to bring Sierra home," said Steve LaMar, Sierra's father. "We still need to find her so we still need everyone's help. We need justice. That's what we're looking for."
The KlaasKids Foundation search center at Burnett Elementary School in Morgan Hill will be open today from 9:30 a.m. onward, according to organizer Davina Joy.
"We are going to be at the search center today for the community to come support the family and each other and to keep hope alive," Joy said.
Joy said she did not know whether any searches will be conducted today, leaving that decision up to search organizers, but planned searches beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow are continuing.
"Tomorrow will be the same thing as we've been doing, same time and same place," Joy said.
Joy said that because Smith did not specify if there was any blood found in Garcia-Torres' car, volunteers will continue to gather at Burnett.
"I still believe that we over here have to keep hope alive and keep the positive re-enforcement alive for her family and each other," she said.
Marlene LaMar ended her statements during the press conference by asking Garcia-Torres to be forthcoming with evidence that could lead to Sierra's location.
"Come forward and say where Sierra is so the family's nightmare can end," she said.
Garcia-Torres is set to be arraigned Thursday.
For previous coverage of the Sierra LaMar case, refer to the Sierra LaMar Disappearance: Comprehensive Updates and Information page.
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