
Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office ended its final underwater search for Sierra LaMar at the Uvas Reservoir on Monday and authorities said they won’t return to the water unless they receive new tips.
Searches utilized a “side scan sonar” technology that detects objects underwater. According to Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jose Cardoza, although the final underwater search for Sierra LaMar ends, The Polly Klaas Foundation will continue organized land searches.
Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, of Morgan Hill was arrested and charged last month for the murder and kidnap of Sierra, even though her body has not been found. He is currently in jail without bail.
LaMar’s family still holds out hope that their daughter Sierra will be found however circumstantial evidence does not make this likely and efforts to find Sierra LaMar have been of a recovery nature..
It is widely believed that it is more difficult to try a case and win a conviction without a body since any of the evidence that is on the body is obviously unavailable to prosecutors. Advanced DNA analysis however can make up for some of these shortfalls thus helping to secure a conviction.
Anyone with information on the Sierra Lamar should please contact sheriff’s investigators at (408) 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431.