DNA links Garcia to Christie By: Penne Usher, Journal Staff Writer Prosecutors say DNA evidence links an Auburn man in custody on weapons charges to the disappearance of 27-year-old Christie Wilson. Mario F. Garcia, 53, now considered a "suspect," was in an Auburn courtroom Monday with his Sacramento attorneys Ron Peters and David Dratman in an attempt to have his $1 million bail reduced. He has pleaded not guilty to felony weapons charges and remains in Placer County Jail. Wilson, of Sacramento, was last seen on video surveillance tapes leaving the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln around 1 a.m. Oct. 5 with Garcia. She hasn't been heard from since. Although after extensive searches no body has been located, investigators say they are certain Wilson was killed. "This is a homicide investigation," said Garen Horst, deputy district attorney for Placer County. "He is a suspect." DNA results confirm that a hair taken from Garcia's white Toyota Camry belonged to Wilson, Lt. George Malim, spokesman for the Placer County Sheriff's Department, said outside the courtroom Monday. "It was found in such a way to be inconsistent with casual transfer," Malim said. "DNA confirmed it's a positive match." Additionally, trace evidence from Garcia's trunk has been sent to the Department of Justice crime lab in Sacramento and another hair that could belong to Wilson was located in the Garcia home, officials said. Wilson's mother, Debbie Boyd, has taken a pro-active stance in finding her missing daughter. She's been at each court appearance and was involved in the initial search. During Monday's proceedings she did not take her eyes off of Garcia. When asked how she felt about her daughter's disappearance now being called a homicide investigation, Boyd said, "We've been thinking that all along." Garcia's attorneys made impassioned pleas with the court and repeatedly asked the prosecution to turn over any evidence it has against their client. They took issue with multiple items outlined in the complaint against Garcia. Specifically the "possible abduction and probable murder" portion of the criminal complaint. Both Peters and Dratman contend the fact that something may have happened does not constitute a crime. "There is no crime for this," Dratman said to the court. Garcia, who was arrested Oct. 14 on weapons charges, is no longer being cooperative with authorities. His lawyers said Garcia was cooperative until the investigation turned to accusation and they want to see the evidence the District Attorney's Office says exists. "What is so secret about all this information?" Peters asked. "He's not guilty of any crime." Peters said he is unable to comment on the case until the district attorney turns over any information they may have against Garcia. As for the matter of $1 million bail, the attorneys find it an "obscene" amount. "(You) cannot justify a bail of 50 times the bail schedule," Dratman said. Horst said in the interest of public safety Garcia should remain in custody on the set bail "He's a flight risk," Horst said. "He's a Mexican national with ties (in the area). He has the assets to flee." Peters contends his client isn't going anywhere if released on bail. Garcia has lived in the United States since he was 14 years old and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and has lived in his Auburn home for more than a decade, Peters said to the court. "If he was going to flee he had five days to do it before he was arrested," Peters said. Judge J. Richard Couzens denied the motion to reduce bail, partially basing his decision on Garcia's "suspect" status and looking at "the whole situation." Garcia is scheduled to return to court Oct. 31 for a trial confirming conference. A preliminary hearing is expected to begin Nov. 1. |
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