Suspect, Mario Garcia , Arraigned In Christie Wilson Murder
Mario Garcia was arraigned Tuesday on one count of murder and possession of a deadly weapon, in the death of Christie Wilson of Sacramento. Investigators previously stated that DNA evidence found in Garcia’s car matched that of the missing Christie Wilson
Additionally, a prior felony strike was alleged for a 1981 felony conviction in Alameda County, California. The felony complaint was filed by the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.
Garcia is suspected in the murder of Christie Wilson. In a video security tape, Garcia is seen exiting a local casino with Wilson on October 5 at 1:13 AM. Wilson has not been seen or heard from since that time and Garcia is the last known person to have been with Wilson.
Investigators say forensic evidence recovered from Garcia’s car is a DNA match to Wilson. Garcia is being held at the Placer County Jail.
Auburn Journal; Murder charge filed in Wilson case
Mario Flavio Garcia, 53, pleaded not guilty to murder charges to killing Christie Wilson, the women he had met and was caught on camera seeing leaving the Thunder Valley Casino.
The Auburn man accused of killing a woman he met at a Lincoln-area casino pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and possession of a deadly weapon in Placer County Superior Court.
On Tuesday, Placer County authorities were attempting to build a circumstantial murder case without the body of 27-year-old Christie Wilson as defense attorneys sought more evidence in the case.
Garcia’s attorneys accused the Placer County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office of withholding evidence. They filed a complaint with the court to demanding to see all the evidence against their client.
Update: $35K offered for Wilson tip
The reward has been increased by Placer County Crime Stoppers to $35,000 for any information, tips or leads leading to the whereabouts of Christie Wilson.
Mario Flavio Garcia has been charged with her murder, but her whereabouts remains unknown. Garcia is being held without bail at the Placer County Jail.
To provide tip information, call Placer County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-923-8191. All tips may remain strictly anonymous.