Deceased/Not Found CA - Sierra LaMar, 15, Morgan Hill, 16 March 2012 #20 *A. Garcia-Torres guilty*

[kimi_SFC]

Via twitter: Cheerleading area built for Sierra LaMar at Washington High School in Fremont. Dedication is scheduled for Sunday. This is so beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking, and amazing.


RobertHanda
@RHandaKTVU
Circular bench for #cheerleading area being built for #SierraLaMar dedication at #Washington High Sunday. #ktvu http://pic.twitter.com/rHbTX8RmAr
[URL=http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/kimi_SFC/media/SML_2_zps5e6a3214.jpg.html][/URL]
https://twitter.com/RHandaKTVU/status/443185168006656000


RobertHanda
@RHandaKTVU
Bench / Placque for #missing teen #SierraLaMar to be dedicated #WashingtonHigh #Fremont March 16 #ktvu http://pic.twitter.com/RJyDAHlxMM
[URL=http://s1220.photobucket.com/user/kimi_SFC/media/SML_1_zpsc22c2d39.jpg.html][/URL]

https://twitter.com/RHandaKTVU/status/443096674143977472



Sierra Mae LaMar lives on! She definitely left her mark at the school where she spent a majority of her time, before relocating to Morgan Hill. It's so hard to imagine what would have happened, had she not relocated, but we will never know. :'(

:rose:

#FindSierraLaMar

 

[kimi_SFC]

Sierra LaMar's Father: "Not Knowing What Happened" Is Most Frustrating After 2 Years


Sierra’s father Steve LaMar, spoke with NBC Bay Area about his daughter and how the family is holding up two years after the disappearance.

“I am doing OK, it’s tough, especially at this time. It’s been very frustrating two years – we haven’t really found anything with the searches but we are still doing that,” Steve LaMar said.

LaMar described the length of the court process as “frustrating.”

(snip_
“We were warned of that but it’s still frustrating,” he said, adding that the district attorney’s office had warned the family that high-profile murder cases could drag on for years.

(snip)
But the toughest part for the LaMars has probably been missing Sierra, and still not having any answers, LaMar said.

“Knowing that someone does know [what happened to Sierra] kind of makes it more frustrating,” he said.

(snip)
“She’s kinda goofy around her friends,” he said. "We’d joke around with her – she’d make fun of my quirks and music and I’d make fun of her quirks and music.”

(snip)
LaMar said he and Sierra would often go watch animated movies like “Toy Story” together at the theater. “Because that’s what we both liked,” he said.

(snip)
“It’s still priority for the sheriff’s department and they are still doing that, so that’s positive,” he said. “But, yeah, any time something like that happens it makes me a little nervous. We don’t want them to find anything, really.”


Much more @ link, including embedded video report
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sierra-LaMar-Father-Not-Knowing-What-Happened-is-Most-Frustrating-After-2-Years-250397231.html

Today is the two year anniversary of Sierra's disappearance. My daughters and I released balloons in her honor, and tonight, we lit luminarias in the moonlight, said a prayer in her honor, as we await justice. We thank the Sierra Searchers for their continued efforts to reunite this family that has been shattered beyond belief.

It is time to bring Everyone's Daughter home where she belongs!

#FindSierraLaMar

 

[kimi_SFC]

Family, friends gather on 2-year anniversary of Sierra Lamar’s disappearance

FREMONT, Calif. — Family, friends, and classmates of Sierra LaMar gathered Sunday afternoon at her former high school to mark the two year anniversary of the teenager's disappearance.
“Today has been really heart wrenching. The wounds run really deep for us as a family.” said Sierra's mother, Marlene LaMar, as she wiped away tears.

(snip)
“She would have been by that tree, practicing, cheering her heart out,” said LaMar's mother.
The family released balloons as “I Will Remember You” by artist, Sarah McLachlan, played in the background.
All the materials and labor for the bench were donated. It was a labor of love.

(snip)
There are still people who search every week for Sierra LaMar. Though her body has not been found, police and prosecutors believe she was kidnapped and murdered.

(snip)
Those who love Sierra are holding out hope. Her father, Steve LaMar said Sunday was another sad anniversary.
“We're hoping that somehow, somewhere, we'll find her alive still,” said Steve LaMar.


(more@link)
http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/family-friends-gather-2-year-anniversary-sierra-la/nfD57/

My heart goes out to the LaMars - especially Marlene. She rarely makes public statements, and her strength is to be commended. The pain of her loss is tremendous, and I hope she is able to draw strength from the support of the global community.

Sierra Mae LaMar truly is Everyone's Daughter, and we are all here, standing by this family, in their pursuit of justice for their beautiful daughter.

#FindSierra

 

[kimi_SFC]

Missing teen Sierra LaMar remembered at Fremont bench dedication

The teen is believed to be dead by police but the family is clinging to hope. There have been more than 500 searches for her body. This bench is a reminder that she is not forgotten.

(snip)
"It's a true blessing and amazing to know that Sierra hasn't been forgotten by her community," said the teen's mother, Marlene LaMar.

The circular bench wraps around a tree at Washington High School in Fremont. Sierra spent her freshman and part of her sophomore years there before moving to Morgan Hill.

"This tribute to her means a lot to us as a family, that her memory goes on," Marlene said.

(snip)
But Sunday was not about him (agt). It was about the girl who belongs to everyone who gathered to honor her memory.

(snip)
"I tell her that you've made a difference," Marlene said. "You've affected a lot of people, even people you don't know."

The message on the plaque is simple and heartfelt. It reads, "Sit here with me quietly, you'll never be alone. We wait to see your smile again and have our Husky home. Dedicated to Sierra LaMar and the memory of all missing children. March 16th, 2014."



More@Link, including embedded video report
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/south_bay&id=9468472


#TheSearchContinues
#FindSierraLaMar

 

[kimi_SFC]

Search for Sierra Lamar continues
Teen disappeared on way to school 2 years ago
UPDATED 5:09 AM PDT Mar 16, 2014

On the eve of the anniversary of her disappearance, Lamar's family joined a core group of volunteers in the weekly search for the teenager.

About 25 of those volunteers have shown up every Saturday since 2012 to search sites throughout Morgan Hill for clues that may lead to finding Lamar.


(snip)

Tollis said he will continue searches every Saturday until Sierra Lamar is found.

"I would just like to see her come home, just love to bring her home and see the Lamars get to rest, bring them peace," Tollis said.


(more@link, including interview with Marlene LaMar, Steve LaMar, and Douglas Tollis. Truly heartbreaking! The interviews were conducted yesterday at the Sierra Search Center in Morgan Hill)
http://www.ksbw.com/news/central-california/hollister-gilroy/search-for-sierra-lamar-continues/24998504#mid=18622950

Again, thank you Sierra Searchers! You are SO amazing! Your efforts restore my faith in humanity, and I believe you WILL #BringSierraHome!

#FindSierraLaMar

 

[*Lash*]

I don't think this has been posted and is the first we have seen the GJ indictment. The GJ Indictment was included in one of the articles Kimi provided The Grand Jury indicted AGT on ALL 4 counts. It doesn't appear ANY of the 4 charges were dropped!

http://media.nbcbayarea.com/documents/GarciaIndictment.pdf

 

[OldSteve]

I don't think this has been posted and is the first we have seen the GJ indictment. The GJ Indictment was included in one of the articles Kimi provided The Grand Jury indicted AGT on ALL 4 counts. It doesn't appear ANY of the 4 charges were dropped!

http://media.nbcbayarea.com/documents/GarciaIndictment.pdf

I don't know about the 3-year gap in those charges.... might make the case for Sierra in the eyes of a jury seem weaker.

 

[kimi_SFC]

I don't know about the 3-year gap in those charges.... might make the case for Sierra in the eyes of a jury seem weaker.

IMV, all the DA has to do is remind the jury that it was the defense who insisted upon the continued delays, and the reason 3-year gap can be reasonably shifted to agt.

IIRC, the cases are linked by DNA, which juries are comfortable in handing over guilty verdicts on, regardless of the amount of time that has passed - CSI effect in the courtroom or not.

:twocents:

#Justice4Sierra
#FindSierra
:heartbeat:

 

[*Lash*]

I don't know about the 3-year gap in those charges.... might make the case for Sierra in the eyes of a jury seem weaker.

I am not worried about the gap. I thought about if I was a juror how the Safeway charges would impact my opinion. Seeing as we have been told the stun gun used in one of the Safeway attacks has been linked to AGT and he worked at Safeway, this would be hard for me to explain away. The combination of attacks on women, even with a 3 year gap, goes to a show a pattern of violence towards women. We don't really know if there was an actual 3 year gap. Just that he wasn't caught in 3 years. As a juror, I believe as a whole I would see Sierra's kidnapping as an escalation in his violence towards women. I personally believe AGT has a trigger(s). Maybe AGT is an offender that has some control over his sick twisted mind unless specific triggers cause him to lose that control. AGT had recently lost his job, his SO was pregnant and his own father was charged with raping his sister. All of this was happening when Sierra disappeared. A lot for AGT to control. I personally think he exploded, JMO.

 

[OldSteve]

I am not worried about the gap. I thought about if I was a juror how the Safeway charges would impact my opinion. Seeing as we have been told the stun gun used in one of the Safeway attacks has been linked to AGT and he worked at Safeway, this would be hard for me to explain away. The combination of attacks on women, even with a 3 year gap, goes to a show a pattern of violence towards women. We don't really know if there was an actual 3 year gap. Just that he wasn't caught in 3 years. As a juror, I believe as a whole I would see Sierra's kidnapping as an escalation in his violence towards women. I personally believe AGT has a trigger(s). Maybe AGT is an offender that has some control over his sick twisted mind unless specific triggers cause him to lose that control. AGT had recently lost his job, his SO was pregnant and his own father was charged with raping his sister. All of this was happening when Sierra disappeared. A lot for AGT to control. I personally think he exploded, JMO.

Good points!

 

[*Lash*]

Good points!

I believe it is a significant fact AGT was not caught in the Safeway attacks because his fingerprints/DNA were not on record in 2009. At the time the Safeway attacks occurred AGT had yet to commit a felony that would require his prints to be registered. In 2009 when detectives ran the evidence from the stun gun the query came back no matches. It wasn't until 2010 when AGT was arrested for felony battery where in he hospitalized a man. IIRC, when Sierra disappeared it was the DA who asked the surrounding counties to review their unsolved cases. It was at this time a match came back to link AGT to the stun gun.

AGT's criminal problems started to emerge in 2009 and 2010 with the misdemeanors of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, resisting an officer and the felony battery. During this time, the DA requested AGT to enroll in anger management classes, probation and requested a protective order. While in county jail AGT purposely plugged a toilet because he was bored. Resulting in vandalism charges. Who does that? Imo, AGT was starting to show his violent tendencies in those 3 years.

AGT's Court Records-

http://losaltos.patch.com/groups/po...ierra-lamar-murder-kidnap-suspect-cdacc36227f

 

[ozazure]

As a juror I wouldn't be put off by the three year gap. To my way of thinking those attacks were highly unsuccessful, he probably had his confidence shaken about what he could achieve. When does his GF come into the picture? He may have been satisfied with normal sexual gratification for awhile but then he's in a trailer with a toddler, a pregnant partner and his mother and the tension builds. There may well be other triggers as Lash pointed out.

 

[OldSteve]

As a juror I wouldn't be put off by the three year gap. To my way of thinking those attacks were highly unsuccessful, he probably had his confidence shaken about what he could achieve. When does his GF come into the picture? He may have been satisfied with normal sexual gratification for awhile but then he's in a trailer with a toddler, a pregnant partner and his mother and the tension builds. There may well be other triggers as Lash pointed out.

Good points. Here's the way I see it; the more events that are brought into a trial, the more complex the trial becomes.

Complexity is good for the defense, not good for the prosecution. Complexity can be used to confuse a jury. Bringing in charges involving crimes against others can be also used to setup a "straw cow" - if doubt can be created over any of those cases, then the prosecution looses creditably concerning the more serious charge - at least that's what the defense would like.

Now all of this works best for those who can afford a dream-team, expensive defense....

 

[*Lash*]

Good points. Here's the way I see it; the more events that are brought into a trial, the more complex the trial becomes.

Complexity is good for the defense, not good for the prosecution. Complexity can be used to confuse a jury. Bringing in charges involving crimes against others can be also used to setup a "straw cow" - if doubt can be created over any of those cases, then the prosecution looses creditably concerning the more serious charge - at least that's what the defense would like.

Now all of this works best for those who can afford a dream-team, expensive defense....

Very true. If I am being honest and since I believe AGT is guilty, I am glad AGT doesn't have a dream-team.

Where I become concerned is with the discussion over the past few years of planting evidence and the issues the county has experienced. If this is brought up in trial, I can see a jury wavering over credibility. Right now I am hoping the grand jury indictment is a sign the prosecution's evidence is strong.

 

[rosesfromangels]

I want the prosecution to put his wife and mother on the stand. The wife, in particular, knows a great deal IMO. OPINION ONLY

 

[kimi_SFC]

I remember reading that there has only been one (IIRC) change of venue granted in Santa Clara County in recent history (correct me if I am wrong).

IMV, this works in favor of the Prosecution. During Voir Dire, the jurors will be asked if they will be able to listen to the evidence and remain objective. I truly believe the case will be decided, as many are these days, during the jury selection process.

As long as the Prosecution is able to select the proper jurors who are able to think critically, remain objective, and (very important) avoid stealth jurors, the case against agt should proceed through the adjudication process successfully. Justice will be served.

I think agt knows this - inherently. Why else would he delay for so long? Some would say the odds have been in his favor without Sierra being found.

Lady Justice is blind. Nothing should outweigh the truth and he knows it. I have faith in the process, and I hope my faith is well-founded. :moo:


#JusticeForSierra
#FindSierraLaMar



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[kimi_SFC]

Very true. If I am being honest and since I believe AGT is guilty, I am glad AGT doesn't have a dream-team.

Where I become concerned is with the discussion over the past few years of planting evidence and the issues the county has experienced. If this is brought up in trial, I can see a jury wavering over credibility. Right now I am hoping the grand jury indictment is a sign the prosecution's evidence is strong.

Good morning Lash :seeya:

Refresh my memory, if you don't mind? What were the issues the county have been experiencing (including planting of evidence)?

I must have missed it. This worries me greatly, now that you've mentioned it. agt's lawyer is certain to try to get that on the record.

I wonder if the Prosecution will attempt to block it, in some way?

:scared:


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[OldSteve]

Very true. If I am being honest and since I believe AGT is guilty, I am glad AGT doesn't have a dream-team.

Where I become concerned is with the discussion over the past few years of planting evidence and the issues the county has experienced. If this is brought up in trial, I can see a jury wavering over credibility. Right now I am hoping the grand jury indictment is a sign the prosecution's evidence is strong.

Agree! I would love to know what evidence the DA has to work with.

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Case archive(s):

Justice for Sierra:
http://s296.photobucket.com/user/cr...&page=1&_suid=1397359946362030863711691858947


Sierra LaMar Case Archive:
http://s296.photobucket.com/user/cr...6&page=1&_suid=139735989215503922246656053609

 

[Annie1004]

I want the prosecution to put his wife and mother on the stand. The wife, in particular, knows a great deal IMO. OPINION ONLY

I am not sure the wife knows much, if anything. She came across as a hot-head, based on her SM statements before family was told to hush. I think AGT was quite stealth in his activities.

And if they are legally married, isn't there a rule about testifying against one's spouse?

AGT returns to court on Wednesday, April 16. Since I will be in San Jose anyway, I may join the other Sierra Lamar supporters outside the courthouse.

Let's get the trial started -- it is nearly two years after his arrest. I am personally confident AGT will get a fair trial and that the State has enough evidence, even without a body, to convict him. I just hope MSM doesn't print any photographs of his greasy hair and smug face. :sick::sick: