SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KRON) — The prosecution rested its case Thursday morning in the penalty phase of the months-long trial in the murder of Sierra LaMar, wrapping up three days of victim impact testimony with distraught statements from the missing teenager’s parents.
Following the presentation of evidence by the defense next week, the same jury who on May 9 found 26-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres guilty of the 2012 murder and three attempted kidnappings in 2009 will decide whether to impose the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors seeking to execute Garcia-Torres put Marlene and Steve LaMar, Sierra LaMar’s parents, on the stand to give their statements.
Soft spoken but sincere Steve LaMar recalled his favorite moments of Sierra and told the jury how he will never see Sierra graduate or get married.
Marlene LaMar cried as she watched home videos of Sierra.
Several jurors also began to cry as they watched the videos of Sierra and her friend singing.
KRON4’s Rob Fladeboe is in the courtroom to bring us the latest:
Defense will argue poverty, other factors shaped #AntolinGarciaTorres. Decision delayed on whether psych expert will testify. pic.twitter.com/fceC2Zi2cJ
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
Pros. in penalty phase of #SierraLaMar case rests after hearing from Sierra’s parents. Now, away from jury, ground rules set for defense. pic.twitter.com/6kk3OqTzZR
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SierraLaMar case. Sierra’s parents conclude testimony. No questions from defense. pic.twitter.com/VbPGCm5rE3
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
Several jurors now in tears as they see, hear home video of #Sierra&friends sing in video. Recess ordered. Phew! pic.twitter.com/jECqjDuYEN
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#MarleneLaMar manages smile. Chuckles heard as we see “goofy” pics of Sierra. Pros. Shows Sierra’s red converse sneakers. pic.twitter.com/FaVMRrjfMB
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#MarleneLaMar, hushed courtroom watching photos of #Sierra. #AntolinGarciaTorres staring straight ahead, not watching screen. pic.twitter.com/sX8O1IceMs
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#MarleneLaMar says after phone was found she knew Sierra had been kidnapped. Crying now…”I was paralyzed.” pic.twitter.com/QzsYrP4sFO
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#MarleneLaMar. “She made us laugh.” “Sierra was destined for great things.” “I was so proud of her.” Loved Disneyland, Forest Gump. pic.twitter.com/YtQ6jPav1r
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#MarleneLaMar on stand now. Fighting back tears. Some jurors clearly moved by her sentiment. Gallery too. pic.twitter.com/Sbodfm4JGy
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SteveLaMar. “Hard to look at pictures of Sierra.” Now very protective of older daughter Danielle. Recalling search for Sierra. pic.twitter.com/pbVEAY90L2
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SteveLaMar still on stand as court sees video of #Sierra (no audio allowed). Steve says “the grief still comes in waves.” Has nightmares. pic.twitter.com/SLnUH6d37Z
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SteveLaMar. “Christmas without Sierra so hard now.” Last words to her. “I love you'” pic.twitter.com/eiYiU0YYST
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SteveLaMar: Will never see #Sierra go to prom, graduate, go to college, get married. Says he was in “zombie state” when she vanished. pic.twitter.com/E3C3kICch2
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
Soft spoken but ever sincere #SteveLaMar favorite moments of Sierra. Trips to Hawaii. Tennis. Sharing “goofy” photos. pic.twitter.com/2gl43Jtf3X
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SierraLaMar dad Steve recalling daughter’s childhood, passion for social media and phone. pic.twitter.com/cqYjaPxJ86
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SteveLaMar on stand now. pic.twitter.com/EHZ4PPyBcx
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
One of 3 women attacked by #AntolinGarciaTorres in Safeway parking lots, before Sierra’s murder, feared she would be raped. pic.twitter.com/9fv3alu2yA
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
#SierraLaMar parents to give victim statements as penalty phase in murder trial of #AntolinGarciaTorres about to resume. pic.twitter.com/fpKUqUWiNP
— @Rob Fladeboe kron4 (@KRON4RFladeboe) May 18, 2017
FULL COVERAGE OF SIERRA LAMAR MURDER TRIAL:
- Sierra LaMar’s sister, friend give statements as penalty phase continues
- Timeline: Disappearance of Sierra LaMar
- Antolin Garcia-Torres’ family stays silent after guilty verdict
- Safeway parking lot kidnapping attempt victim testifies in Sierra LaMar trial
- Defense: LaMar ‘angry’ about move; would go back to Fremont to ‘party’
- Sierra LaMar Trial: witnesses testify about ‘runaway note’