The accused killer of an 81-year-old man in a “really vicious” Family Law battle last year in Newport Beach will be back in court Thursday.
Anthony Thomas Garcia, 56, of Carson City, Nevada, made his second appearance Friday in a Santa Ana court since his extradition. His arraignment was postponed again until Thursday.
Garcia is charged with murder with a sentencing enhancement allegation of killing for financial gain. He is accused of killing 81-year-old Abelardo Lopez Estacion, whose body was found in his home in the 2300 block of 16th St. on April 11 of last year.
Estacion had been living with his longtime girlfriend of 25 years when he was killed, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy.
Estacion was killed hours after his girlfriend’s estranged daughter lost a legal battle to evict the victim from his home and get a restraining order that would have kept him from his girlfriend, Murphy said.
The daughter, whose name was not released, wanted to move in with her mom, who was suffering symptoms of dementia, Murphy said.
“In the ninth inning of her life… they engage in a really vicious Family Law battle,” Murphy said.
After the restraining order and eviction of Estacion were denied, “That night somebody sneaks into the house and murders him,” Murphy said.
Initially, Garcia had an alibi in the form of a text message sent from his home to his daughter’s phone the night of the murder, but subsequent investigation revealed evidence discrediting that alibi, Murphy said.
— City News Service