More than 1,000 tips; Sierra still missing

Sierra LaMar is still missing, authorities are still searching for her or any evidence that might lead to her, and the county crime lab is still processing what little evidence has been found so far in relation to her disappearance.
As of Thursday, more than 6,000 personnel hours have been dedicated to the case of the missing Morgan Hill 15-year-old by investigators and detectives from a number of different agencies, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jose Cardoza.
Investigators have followed up on more than 1,000 tips received by e-mail and phone, and the Sierra LaMar tip line continues to be staffed 24 hours a day, he added.
On Thursday, about 20 members of the sheriff’s search-and-rescue teams searched in San Martin and Gilroy for Sierra or her remains – no one knows if she is dead or alive – and any other evidence that might lead to her whereabouts.
It was the farthest south the search had expanded since Sierra was reported missing March 16. Detectives think Sierra was kidnapped or picked up just outside her home in north Morgan Hill, near the intersection of Palm and Dougherty avenues. Previous searches have focused on a progressively expanding radius around the home.
A resident who lives around the corner from Sierra’s home, where she lives with her mother Marlene LaMar and mother’s boyfriend Rick Gardiner, said FBI and sheriff’s investigators searched his home twice within the first couple weeks after Sierra was reported missing.
Robert Pearman, a resident of Lantz Drive, said the authorities searched his neighbors’ homes as well. At his house, they even searched his daughter’s tree house, and looked inside closets and under beds. “It was like something you’d see in a Lifetime movie,” Pearman said.
They also set up traffic checkpoints at select times at Palm and Dougherty and Palm and Lantz, he said.
With two daughters of his own, Pearman said he readily allowed the authorities to search his property.
“If it was my daughter, I would want them to check all my neighbors too,” Pearman said. The fact that authorities seem to have so few leads is discouraging to Pearman and his neighbors, he said.
“It seems like she just vanished, which is really scary,” he said. “I sure hope to God they find something.”
Deputies Thursday scoured areas along San Martin Avenue, Llagas Avenue and other spots in unincorporated South County. Those searches employed three human remains detection dogs, Cardoza said.
Meanwhile, the county crime lab is treating Sierra’s belongings and other evidence collected so far that might be related to the case as a “top priority,” according to spokeswoman Lisa McCrary.
Evidence reportedly found so far includes Sierra’s cell phone, which was found March 17, and her purse containing folded clothing that belonged to her on March 18. These items were found in two separate locations within two miles northwest of Sierra’s home.
The crime lab is also processing a cardboard box labeled “stainless steel handcuffs,” and two used condoms found at the west end of Palm Avenue – also about two miles from Sierra’s home. Authorities have not confirmed if they think these items are related to the case, but they were sent to the crime lab anyway for forensic testing.
“The case is a top priority for the lab,” McCrary said. “They’re working on it daily during the week, on the weekends, and some evenings to expedite the work.”
KlaasKids Foundation has conducted a number of volunteer searches since Sierra was reported missing. The next opportunity for volunteers to help will take place Saturday, and those interested can report to Burnett Elementary School, 85 Tilton Ave., from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sierra LaMar is about 5-feet, 2-inches tall with a thin build and dark hair.
For more information on the Sierra LaMar Search Center, call 201-6364.
Anyone with information on the case can contact Santa Clara County Communications at 299-2311, or send an e-mail to

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During normal business hours callers can call Sheriff’s Investigators at 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at 808-4431. Information or tips can also be sent via the Sheriff’s Office website at sccgov.org/portal/site/sheriff. Information can also be submitted by text at 421-6760.