The suspect in the Sierra LaMar murder case returned to court on Wednesday, almost three years after the Morgan Hill teenager disappeared on her way to school.
The lawyer for Antolin Garcia Torres told the judge he needed at least another six weeks to prepare for the murder trial. The district attorney is seeking the death penalty in the case.
Judge Deborah Ryan granted the request from Torres' attorney, which frustrated many volunteers who have helped search for Sierra LaMar.
The supporters, who pointed out the girl has been missing since March 16, 2012, showed a sign of solidarity outside the court and voiced their frustration.
"I'm just disappointed that we can't get the process in play," said Roger Nelson, a search coordinator. "I'm not a legal expert by any stretch of the imagination, but it is frustrating and I can't help, but think about the pain -- the ongoing pain for the LaMar family."
Sierra's father, Steve LaMar, was not surprised with the delay in the case.
"It'd be like 'Oh yeah, that's what we expected' kind of thing," Steve LaMar said. "So the more surprising thing would be if they actually 'did' get set, the trial did get set today."
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Torres is scheduled to return to court April 8 for another trial-setting date.
