Court Overturns 2017 Conviction of Morgan Hill Teen's Accused Killer

Authorities consider next steps after appeals court reverses Antolin Garcia Torres' conviction for kidnapping and murdering Sierra LaMar in 2012.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:05pm

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The Sixth Appellate District in California has overturned the 2017 conviction of Antolin Garcia Torres for the first-degree murder of Morgan Hill teen Sierra LaMar, who disappeared in 2012. The appeals court found insufficient evidence to support the conviction, and the district attorney's office is now considering whether to retry the case.

Why it matters

The overturning of Garcia Torres' conviction raises new questions about the evidence used to convict him and the ongoing search for Sierra LaMar's remains. The case has been a high-profile one in the Morgan Hill community, and the appeals court's decision means the legal battle over Sierra's disappearance and death will continue.

The details

In 2017, a jury convicted Garcia Torres of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2012 disappearance of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, the Sixth Appellate District has now reversed that conviction, finding insufficient evidence to support the theories of premeditated murder or intent to kill. The district attorney's office is reviewing the appeals court's ruling and deciding whether to retry the case against Garcia Torres.

  • Sierra LaMar was reported missing from her home in Morgan Hill in March 2012.
  • Garcia Torres was arrested in May 2012 in connection with LaMar's disappearance.
  • Garcia Torres was convicted on all charges on May 9, 2017 and sentenced on June 5, 2017.
  • The Sixth Appellate District announced the reversal of Garcia Torres' conviction on February 27, 2026.

The players

Antolin Garcia Torres

A Morgan Hill resident who was accused and convicted of kidnapping and murdering 15-year-old Sierra LaMar in 2012, but whose conviction was later overturned on appeal.

Sierra LaMar

A 15-year-old sophomore at Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill who disappeared from her home in March 2012.

Jeff Rosen

The Santa Clara County District Attorney, who is considering whether to retry the case against Antolin Garcia Torres.

Laurie Smith

The former Santa Clara County Sheriff, whose office led the investigation into Sierra LaMar's disappearance.

Adrienne Grover, Daniel Bromberg, and Sunil Kulkarni

The judges on the Sixth Appellate District who overturned Garcia Torres' conviction.

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What they’re saying

“We just received the opinion and are digesting it. However, we will never stop seeking justice for Sierra.”

— Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office

“Our detectives have continued to diligently pursue new information and remain unwavering in their commitment to this investigation. They will not rest until Sierra is found and closure can be brought to her family.”

— Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

“This ruling does not diminish the gravity of this case of the dedication that went into the original investigation. We have full confidence in the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office as it evaluates next steps. Our agency stands prepared to support prosecutors in any further proceedings.”

— Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

“Our thoughts remain with Sierra's family, who have endured more than a decade of heartbreak and uncertainty. They remain at the center of this case and at the forefront of our commitment to justice.”

— Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the appeals court's ruling and deciding whether to retry the case against Antolin Garcia Torres.

The takeaway

The overturning of Garcia Torres' conviction in the Sierra LaMar case has reignited the search for justice and closure for the LaMar family, who have endured over a decade of uncertainty. The case highlights the complexities of prosecuting murder cases without a body or murder weapon, and the ongoing challenges in providing definitive answers for grieving families.