Overview
- A three‑judge panel of the Sixth Appellate District reversed Antolin Garcia‑Torres’ conviction, saying the trial court erred by consolidating three 2009 Safeway parking‑lot cases with the 2012 LaMar case.
- Acting Presiding Justice Adrienne Grover wrote that none of the joined cases was particularly strong and that consolidation likely altered the verdict.
- The court found insufficient evidence to support findings of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder or specific intent to kill, though it allowed the possibility of a retrial under narrower theories.
- The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said it is reviewing the opinion and will continue seeking justice for Sierra, with options that include an appeal to the California Supreme Court or a new trial.
- Garcia‑Torres, now 34, remains incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison as law enforcement pledges to keep pursuing the investigation, noting LaMar’s body has never been found.