Two years later, body of Christie Wilson still missing

In a case of murder that generated national attention, there has been no closure for the family of the victim, Christie Wilson. While the man convicted of murdering 27-year-old Christie Wilson, who disappeared from the Thunder Valley Casino two years ago today, sits in prison, the family of the victim finds little resolution without her remains. Wilson was last seen in the company of 55-year-old Mario Garcia of Auburn. He is now serving a 59-years-to-life sentence in prison for her murder. Wilson's mother Debbie Boyd said Thursday the past two years have been difficult. "It's really hard to know that it's been two years," she said. "It's still so fresh in our minds and it's still so very raw." Garcia was the last person seen with Wilson in the early morning hours of Oct. 5, 2005 leaving the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln. A jury convicted Garcia of first-degree murder on Nov. 21, 2006. He was sentenced in January. Wilson's remains have never been located. "The fact is that this case conviction, from the family's perspective, is still very much an open case," Boyd said. "We are pleased with the outcome of the trial and glad to know that Christie's killer is behind bars and will never be able to harm anyone again, however, it's still a hollow victory for the family because our daughter's remains have still not been recovered." The no-body homicide case, the first in Placer County, generated national media attention. Prime-time Tv's "48 Hours" aired two segments earlier this year profiling the case. Volunteers and law enforcement have searched hundreds of miles of grasslands, culverts, lakes, rivers and mountainous terrain, but have yet to find Wilson. There is a $35,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. Detective Don Murchison of the Placer County Sheriff's Department has fielded countless tips over the two years. "When we receive tips from the public we follow up on them and continue to search for her," he said. "People forget over time and we aren't receiving as many calls as we did during the initial stages of the investigation." DNA belonging to Wilson found in Garcia's white Toyota Camry linked him to her murder. He was arrested Oct. 14, 2005 and later charged with murder. A jury found him guilty in November, 2006 of first-degree murder. At the time jurors stated that it was unexplained scratches to Garcia's face coupled with the DNA evidence, which led them to the guilty verdict. Garcia has maintained his innocence all along. Prosecutor Garen Horst said, although he is proud of the outcome of the case, there is little closure for Wilson's family. "In any homicide case a conviction is always bittersweet," Horst said. "You can't bring the victim back for the family. In the Wilson case it's so much more aggravated. Justice is truly incomplete." Pat Boyd, Wilson's stepfather, said for his family there may never be closure. "Even if we do find her I don't think we'll have closure," he said. "It wears on the parents forever. For my wife this is 10 times harder." He said the knowledge that Garcia, although behind bars, is able to communicate with his family, have visitors and see people, isn't justice."This is one of the ugliest situations any family can go through," Pat Boyd said. "Mario still won't tell us where Christie is." Murchison said he believes Wilson's remains will be found - someday. "It will be by a member of the public out walking, hunting or out doing some sort of recreational activity," he said. "They may stumble upon a piece of her clothing or something else." Wilson was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black sweater and black boots. The trunk mats of Garcia's Toyota Camry are also missing. Murchison said he believes the mats will be found near Wilson's remains. Wilson's family has held a memorial in her honor, but the Boyd's say it doesn't fill the void. "I've lost family member and good friends but there's always been a sense of closure because we had an opportunity to give them a respectful burial. We are not able to do that," Debbie Boyd said. "The grieving process just doesn't end." Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment on rosevillept.com. \~