The jury’s work is not over, as they will make a decision in the “penalty phase” of Garcia Torres’ fate. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty for the convicted murderer, and the jury will determine if Garcia Torres will be put to death or spend life in prison without the possibility of parole, prosecutor David Boyd told the media outside the courtroom at the Hall of Justice in San Jose.
Sierra’s family expressed their mixed feelings of relief and lingering sadness after hearing the verdict.
“We’re grateful for the jurors—we think they made the right decision,” said Marlene LaMar, Sierra’s mother. “It gives us peace as a family, knowing it’s not going to happen to another child.”
Steve LaMar, Sierra’s father, said the verdict is “bittersweet.”
“We don’t have Sierra, that’s the bitter part,” he said. “But justice is served today, for us (and) for Sierra. That gives us some form of relief, but it will never take away our grief. That will be with us forever.”
The parents were flanked by a large group of family members, including daughter Danielle LaMar, and dedicated search volunteers.
Sierra moved to Morgan Hill from Fremont about six months before she disappeared. Her father lives in Fremont, and Sierra continued to spend time with him after she moved to Morgan Hill. Steve LaMar added that the May 9 verdict does not bring full closure to him and his family because Sierra is still missing.
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