Colusa murder suspect’s mom wants visitation with victim’s daughter
A Colusa man wanted by police on suspicion of murdering his exgirlfriend is still wanted; and his mother is petitioning the courts for visitation rights to the daughter he shared with the victim.
Two months ago, law enforcement ruled Karen Garcia, 21, of Colusa was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. Her body was found in a Woodland parking lot. Her ex-boyfriend and father of her child, Salvador Garcia Jr., 22, is a suspect in her murder after police found blood inside his car and apartment. Police have yet to find him.
Karen Garcia’s 2-year-old daughter was placed in the care of her mother. A Colusa County Superior Court clerk confirmed there were legal hearings about Karen Garcia’s daughter on Tuesday and Wednesday. The child’s paternal grandmother – the mother of Salvador Garcia Jr. – petitioned the court for visitation rights.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge ruled to postpone the hearing until April 17.
The following day, the judge ruled Karen Garcia’s mother had the legal right to take the child out of state.
Those close to Karen Garcia’s mother said she and the child are living out of state under a protection order issued by Colusa County law enforcement. Police have not confirmed this account.
“Gloria is living out of state with the baby under a protective order,” said Tootie Hackett, Karen Garica’s former boss and family friend. “Colusa officers are staying with them right now because there was a threat made toward the baby – we don’t know who did it or why.” Hackett said the police officers who were assigned to stay with Karen Garcia’s mother and baby testified against allowing Salvador Garcia Jr.’s family to have visitation rights. She said the officers were concerned Salvador Garcia Jr.’s family would find a way to give him the baby.
Colusa County District Attorney Matthew Beauchamp identified Susi Carrion as the attorney representing Karen Garcia’s mother in this hearing. Carrion’s office declined to comment on the family law case.