My name is Terri Garcia and I would like to share my story with you...
Unfortunately, the inspiration for my book didn't come from a good place. My friend David Landwher was murdered on September 19, 1988. We knew who murdered him and it was over something as small as a $2 phone bill. However, the suspect missed his court date and disappeared from the area. Family and friends suffered without closure for 20 years.
Fast forward to October 2007 when the suspect was pulled over in Washington. He had been driving with a broken tail light and had a warrant for arrest under his assumed name. After running prints, police discovered that he was wanted in Beloit for a murder charge. He fought extradition back to Wisconsin, but was ultimately brought back to face his charges in December 2007.
Because the murder was committed 20 years prior to his trial, he was charged under the old law. He was finally sentenced with only 10 years for murder and 5 years for reckless use of a dangerous weapon. We are so happy that family and friends were able to get some closure with these charges, but unfortunately it just isn't enough.
This is why I am sharing these stories with you. The longer any of these murder cases go unsolved here in Rock County, the higher the chances are that true justice won't prevail. I don't want this to happen to any of the victims or families in my book.
