CDAA urges California Supreme Court to review reversal in the Sierra LaMar murder case
The California District Attorneys Association urges the California Supreme Court to review a recent appellate ruling that overturned the conviction in the 2012 kidnapping and murder case of 15-year-old Sierra LaMar.
CDAA says the decision raises broader concerns about fairness to victims, confidence in jury verdicts and how criminal cases may be handled across California in the future.
After Sierra disappeared while walking to her school bus, investigators gathered substantial evidence that led to the defendant’s conviction following a lengthy jury trial. More than a decade later, Sierra’s family now faces renewed uncertainty as the case returns to the courts.
“This case is about more than one defendant,” said CDAA CEO Greg Totten. “It is about whether victims’ families can rely on lawful jury verdicts reached after a fair trial, and whether courts across California have clear and consistent rules moving forward.”
CDAA’s filing asks the Supreme Court to review the case and provide guidance on important trial procedures that affect courts statewide. The association says clarity from the state’s highest court would help ensure similar cases are handled consistently and efficiently.
“When major criminal cases are retried years later, victims and witnesses are asked to relive trauma, families are forced to wait longer for closure and already strained court resources are stretched even further,” Totten added.
CDAA emphasized that its request is not only about one case, but about preserving fairness, consistency and public confidence in California’s justice system.
“For 50 years, CDAA has supported the fair administration of justice,” Totten said. “We believe Supreme Court review is appropriate here, so the law is applied clearly and consistently for everyone involved.”
About the California District Attorneys Association
CDAA is a nonprofit statewide organization representing more than 3,500 prosecutors. The association provides training, resources, legislative advocacy, and a collaborative forum to support the equitable administration of justice throughout California.
