The search for Morgan Hill teen Sierra LaMar is over, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. This sad bit of news comes as a "policy change" in the missing cheerleader's case. Apparently officials on the case aren't going to be searching for her unless the search is by result of tips or new evidence.
This is certainly a disappointment to those who have been rooting for the police to find her remains as quickly as possible. The only suspect in her abduction and presumed murder is behind bars but has refused to cooperate since his arrest. Antolin Garcia-Torres refused to enter a plea two times in a row now, and he has also waived his right to a speedy trial. This is unsettling when combined with the fact that the body of Sierra LaMar still has not been found.
It's been expressed by experts such as criminologist Steve Clark that Antolin Garcia-Torres could walk free if the prosecution doesn't play their collective cards right in the upcoming trial. It's not 100% impossible to land a conviction without a body, but it's extremely difficult -- especially when the suspect is refusing to deny or confirm his presumed role in her disappearance and death.
While the police aren't going to be searching regularly, it's still safe to assume that volunteers could do their part in locating the remains of this missing teenager. If you live on a farm, ranch land or other large parcel of property, keep a lookout for any signs of disturbed ground or other suspicious areas of interest. If you know anybody who might know anything, turn them in to police. Just because Antolin Garcia-Torres is behind bars does not mean he worked 100% alone in this. Yes, he is presumed to be the prime suspect, but there is always the possibility that he told someone something or even recruited help from his friends to dispose of a body and evidence used in a crime.
Crime analyst and profiler Chelsea Hoffman can be found on The Huffington Post, Chelsea Hoffman: Case to Case and many other outlets. Follow @TheRealChelseaHon Twitter orclick here to contact Chelsea directly.




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