The family of missing Morgan Hill teen Sierra LaMar increased the reward for information about the missing 15-year-old.
The reward was increased to $35,000, and the family announce the addition to the previous $25,000 offering at a press conference at the KlaasKids Foundation search for the Sobrato High School student Wednesday.
“In order to collect the reward you have to provide information that will lead to Sierra LaMar’s safe recovery, or the successful prosecution of the individual or individuals responsible for Sierra’s disappearance,” said KlaasKids founder Marc Klaas.
Authorities think Sierra is dead, despite the fact that her remains have not been recovered.
Morgan Hill resident Antolin Garcia Torres, 21, was arrested by Santa Clara County Sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering Sierra May 21.
Investigators have said they found DNA evidence from both Sierra and Garcia Torres linking the two, though they have not established a motive or found a murder weapon.
Garcia Torres remains in the county jail without bail. He has appeared in court twice but has not entered a plea.
Sierra has been missing since March 16. Authorities think she was kidnapped as she was walking to her usual bus stop near Palm and Dougherty avenues, to catch a bus for Sobrato High School.
She sent a text to a friend about 7:11 a.m. – close to the typical time she leaves her house to catch the bus – that indicated the two planned to meet at school and share makeup, authorities said.
Volunteers continue to search for Sierra, her remains or any evidence indicating where she might be.
Civilian volunteer search efforts are ongoing every Wednesday and Saturday, and are centered at Burnett Elementary School, 85 Tilton Ave.
Anyone with information on Sierra’s possible whereabouts, can contact the Santa Clara County sheriff’s tip line at 299-2311 or [email protected]. Callers can call Sheriff’s Investigators at 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 808-4431. Tips can also be sent via sccgov.org/portal/site/sheriff or by text at 421-6760.
