Sierra LaMar Murder Suspect Back in Court Today

Suspected Sierra LaMar kidnapper and killer Antolin Garcia-Torres will appear in court today, Thursday, May 31 at 2 p.m. to be formally arraigned on one count of murder with the special circumstance of kidnapping.

Garcia-Torres’ formal reading of the murder charge will take place in Department 23 at the Hall of Justice, 190 W. Hedding St. in San Jose. He could enter a plea, but it may be too soon for his attorney to decide how he'll answer to the murder charge.

On May 24, however, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen filed the murder charge and held a news conference outside the courthouse announcing prosecutor David Boyd would try the high-profile case that's grabbed national headlines for the past few months since Sierra vanished on March 16 on her way to catch the morning bus to Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill.

Rosen said the murder charge is eligible for the death penalty.

He's being held without bail at the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose.

Court records obtained by Patch Tuesday reveal Garcia-Torres had his run-ins with public safety authorities in Morgan Hill and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

Meanwhile, Klaas Kids Foundation volunteers continue their search for Sierra with a new effort scheduled for Saturday. Those participating are being asked to report to the "Find Sierra Search Center" at Burnett Elementary School at 85 Tilton Road in Morgan Hill.

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