Tips Increase After Arrest of LaMar Murder Suspect

Since Monday’s arrest of Antolin Garcia-Torres, the 21-year-old Morgan Hill resident suspected of kidnapping and murdering Sierra LaMar, investigators have received additional tips about the suspect. 

Approximately 30 additional tips have been relayed every day since the suspect’s arrest. 

“Many community members recognize Antolin Garcia-Torres and are calling to provide valuable information to investigators,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Jose Cardoza wrote in a prepared statement. 

The Sheriff's Office is maximizing its resources by asking the public to join the search for Sierra, and is focusing search efforts on south Santa Clara County. 

"Since day one up until now our focus has been there," Cardoza said. "We're not focusing on moving elsewhere because we don't have evidence that she ever left, so we'll continue to search there until we get evidence that leads us in a different direction."

Authorities are looking for a deceased body, and came to the conclusion that Sierra, who was last seen at her home the morning of March 16, is no longer alive based on . However, Marc Klaas, founder of the nonprofit that has been organizing searches for Sierra, said . 

Rural property owners are especially asked to join the ongoing search for Sierra.

Areas to check include land bordering south Santa Clara County, such as north San Benito County, north Monterey County and east Santa Cruz County. Searchers should focus on canvassing water shorelines, creeks, streams, private property wells, large containers and abandoned sheds or outhouse structures.

Dive teams have been searching reservoirs in Morgan Hill all week for clues in Sierra's disappearance, and are currently wrapping up search efforts at Uvas Reservoir. Cardoza said water searches will resume early next week. 

KlaasKids isn't holding a search for Sierra on Saturday, but the LaMar family is asking the public to take time this weekend to look for their loved one. 

“The family has asked people to take just a little time out of their routine and has asked people to check areas that haven't been checked,” Marc Klaas said. 

Real estate agents or property managers should check any unoccupied dwellings, and renters or farmers should survey any barns or sheds that could be on their property, along with any small bodies of water, Klaas said.

Tips can be relayed by contacting the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Tipsters can call (408) 808-4500, the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431 or send a tip via email to tips@sheriff.sccgov.org. Tips can also be emailed to tips@sheriff.sccgov.org

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