Sheriff’s Department: Sierra LaMar was likely abducted

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday confirmed that they are now investigating the Sierra LaMar case as a possible abduction.

While the case has been investigated as a crime since LaMar’s March 16 disappearance, officials had classified it as a missing persons case. Now, authorities say, the investigation has led them to conclude that it is “highly unlikely” LaMar ran away.

Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Jose Cardoza said the latest findings are based on interviews conducted with family and friends in which it was determined LaMar, 15, had no history of running away and had no known family problems. There has been no information indicating that LaMar voluntarily went missing, Cardoza explained in a press release.

Investigators are asking the public to report any suspicious activity they may encounter, such as someone who suddenly changes his or her appearance, recently cleaned his or her vehicle in an excessive manner, has unexpectedly missed work, or obsesses or avoids news about Sierra LaMar.

“Sierra is a member of our community,” Cardoza said. “If you know of anyone who fits any of the indicators mentioned, please call the tip line. If you suspect someone, please call the tip line even if the person does not exhibit any of the indicators. The person responsible for Sierra’s disappearance may not live in the area, but has a familiarity and comfort in the Morgan Hill community. We feel the keys to the resolution in this case are in our community.”

Sierra LaMar was last seen leaving her family home in unincorporated Morgan Hill to catch the bus for school. She did not make it to her classes. Shortly after her disappearance, investigators located her cell phone and purse, which contained articles of her clothing. None of the items found produced any evidence as to her whereabouts.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact sheriff’s investigators at (408) 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431. Tips may also be emailed to tips@sheriff.sccgov.org.

Read more:

San Jose Mercury News, Investigators say Morgan Hill girl Sierra Lamar, 15, likely abducted, didn’t run away

MSNBC, Father of missing California teen is ‘desperate for any clue’