UPDATE: Trial against Sierra Lamar’s accused killer starts August 1

UPDATE 6/17/16 3:40 PM: The case against Sierra Lamar’s accused killer will go to trial in August, according to the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Antolin Garcia-Torres is accused of killing Lamar, who was last seen March 16, 2012.

Court officials said the judge is still reviewing several motions including a request for a change of venue, a motion to suppress evidence and sever charges.

Garcia-Torres will head to trial August 1.

PREVIOUS STORY: Sierra Lamar’s accused killer was supposed to stand trial Monday, but the trial has been delayed again.

That’s because an attorney for Antolin Garcia-Torres is busy with another case.

Not to mention, the defense said it’s going to file more motions that will put the case on hold for at least two more months.

The biggest of the three motions is a change of venue in light of all of the media attention in Santa Clara County.

“Clearly the judge has to balance the right of Mr. Garcia-Torres to a fair trial and also look at the fact that generally change of venue motions are not favored and they are very expensive and very cumbersome,” Legal Analyst Former Prosecutor Steven Clark.

Expensive because everyone involved will have to travel to the new location, including the attorneys and witnesses. It could delay the trial even more.

Volunteers who spent countless hours trying to find Sierra’s body said they would make the trek anywhere to show support for the Lamar family.

“I’m from Monterey County and yes, I would go wherever the court is being held for justice for the Lamar family,” Patricia said.

It’s been more than four years since Morgan Hill teenager Sierra Lama disappeared on her way to school.

Her body was never found, but investigators say DNA evidence led them to Garcia-Torres.

The defense also wants to file a motion to suppress evidence, although they did not specify what exactly.

Attorneys for Garcia-Torres have until June 20 to file motions and the prosecution has 30 days to respond.

A start date for the trial is no where close to being decided. And even if an answer does come soon, it will be months before it gets underway.

“The jury selection process in a death penalty case is intensive, so we will not see the first witness in this case for a long time, even once the trial starts,” Clark said. “Depending on how these pre-trial motions go, we would still be months away from calling the first witness.”

“It’s good things are moving forward,” Search coordinator Roger Nelson said. “It gives us hope. It’s been a long four years and hopefully we can get justice for Sierra Lamar.”

“The next scheduled court hearing is on June 17 in San Jose. A trial was supposed to start last month, but the defense pushed it back.

This most recent delay comes more than four years after Morgan Hill teenager Sierra Lama disappeared on her way to school.

Her body was never found, but investigators say DNA evidence led them to Torres.

Antolin Garcia Torres’ next court appointment is June 17 for a status check.