Sierra LaMar Case: Suspect's Attorney Steps Down Over Conflict of Interest

By Erin Sherbert Fri., Jun. 8 2012 at 9:02 AM

Antolin Garcia-Torres

It appears the suspect accused of kidnapping and murdering 15-year-old Sierra LaMar won't be entering a plea anytime soon. According to press reports, 21-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres' lawyer dropped him yesterday, citing a conflict of interest issue.

Here's the conflict: Public Defender Ken Mandel's Office is already representing Garcia-Torres' father, Genaro Garcia, who is also sitting in Santa Clara County Jail.

NBC reports that Garcia was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a relative. He's been charged with 11 counts of lewd and lascivious acts, and three counts of aggravated sexual assault with a minor under 14.

Garcia-Torres, who appeared in court again yesterday, is not expected to enter a plea until July 31 with his new attorney.
Meanwhile, volunteers continued to scour the grounds looking for LaMar, who was last seen on Mach 16 as she was getting ready for school. She never made it to class that day, and police later found her clothing and cellphone on the side of the road.

Genaro Garcia

Garcia-Torres was arrested in May after traces of his DNA were found on her clothing and her DNA was located inside his red Jetta that police had impounded. Police had identified him as the suspect on March 28, but held off on arresting him, and instead placed him on a 24-hour surveillance, hoping he would take police to her body.

Police have been tight-lipped about what kind of DNA was found; however, they confirmed it was not blood. Still, prosecutors believe they have a solid case, despite the fact that neither LaMar's body nor a murder weapon has been found.

Prosecutors say Garcia-Torres is eligible for the death penalty.

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Tags:

Antolin Garcia-Torres, DNA traces, Genaro Garcia, Morgan Hill teen, red Jetta, Sierra LaMar

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yarsh

just like Penn state policed Sandunsky, or should we used his case to tell whites to leave this country they stole......yes, these race based arguments get pretty silly pretty quickly don't they.....it takes all kinds people.....

TheDago

If you don't want it to be a race thing...then police your own. I can't believe somebody hasn't gone total Jack Bauer on these guys and got them talking. They know they're both safer in jail.

Geri

And gangs has nothing to even do with this little girl missing which is clear you dont give a fuck because all your ass is concerned about is Latin people. I am sure whatever your background and race....is filled with corruption stupif ignorant ass mother fucker.. And yeah im latin bitch and I would bunch you in the mouth had i heard some stupid shit come out your mouth

Yes_no123

Total Talent Fuck Off ,WTF dose race have to do with this situation you sure are a stupid fuck who has nothing better to do but to talk shit that makes no sense.

Leslie

You're kidding me right? Not ALL mexicans are like this. And since you are stating a WHOLE race just makes you seem INCONSIDERATE, and jumping to conclusions. No respect at all. Your words are both very prejudice and ignorant. Stop dividing the community and creating unnecessary problems.

Total Talent

you mean the latin kings and the neta aint got these guys yet? all hispanic guys are real pussy..especially budah up in franklin ny

Geri

What a fucking retard... Every race has its gangs and All races have some pussies in the bunch you fuckin tard. Every fucking race!..Having an opinion or belief such as yours will not get you very far in life but hopefully what it will get you is a nice ass whooping

Total Talent

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/south_bay&id=8692857

Total Talent

they should both be put to death...side by side!

Total Talent

Garcia-Torres is accused of kidnapping and killing 15-year-old Sierra LaMar in March. Court documents show his father Genaro Garcia Fernandez faces 14 counts of child molestation and sexual assault against a family member. The now adult woman came forward last year and outlined for detectives 10 years of abuse between 1990 and 2000 beginning when she was just 5 years old.