California’s Sixth District Court of Appeals overturned Antolin Garcia-Torres’ 2017 life sentence for the 2012 kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar on February 27, 2026. The ruling reverses all convictions, paving the way for a new trial.
Reversal Grounds
Insufficient evidence proved “willful, deliberate, and premeditated” murder or specific intent to kill. Court deemed it prejudicial error to join LaMar’s murder charge with three unrelated 2009 attempted kidnappings—spillover tainted the verdict.
Case Background
LaMar vanished March 16, 2012, en route to Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill; body never found. DNA linked Garcia-Torres: Her genetic material in his car (hair on rope, door handle, gloves), his on her clothes found nearby. Arrested weeks later.
Reactions
- DA’s Office: “Digesting… never stop seeking justice for Sierra.”
- Sheriff’s Office: Disappointed but respects process; backs DA, thoughts with family.
Court upheld felony murder evidence and criminal act causing death. Prosecutors eye retrial despite decade of pain for LaMar’s loved ones.
