Stop the Violence: Patricia Guardado press conference

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Local law enforcement is working with the Stop the Violence group to help find a killer.

One year ago, UALR student Patricia Guardado disappeared. Pulaski County Sheriff's deputies recovered her body, but investigators still don't know who murdered her. That's why investigators are asking for help from the public tracking down the suspect.

Patricia Guardado disappeared on her way to class last October. Law enforcement say they've run into a few obstacles working the case. Stop the Violence held a press conference Wednesday to remind the public a killer is still out here. Reverend Benny Johnson says who ever did kill Patricia Guardado does not deserve to be in society. "Guardado was going to school to get an education and better herself, and somebody took that from her."

Sgt. James Lesher with the Little Rock Police Department says they are relying on tips from the community to solve this case. "We're still following leads. We got some information last week that we're following up on this week." Police say they are in the process of interviewing people, but cannot release any additional information at this time.

Investigators say part of the problem is not enough people are coming forward with leads. The reason is fear of law enforcement, deportation, and a language barrier.

Alejandro Macias with the Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock says there are people in the hispanic community who have information. "They might be victims, and they don't come forward. There might be people with information that could solve crimes, but they never talk."

Detectives promise they are not interested in anyone's immigration status. They just want to find Guardado's murderer, and Guardado's family just wants answers to what happened.

Patricia Guardado's mother, Leonor Garcia, says she knows very well her daughter is not going to come back, but she know has renewed hope for justice again. "Hopefully whoever did this crime will be brought to justice and will pay for what they did."

Alejandro Macias says Patricia Guardado could be anyone's daughter, and violence can touch any family.
"It's truly awful to see they've been damaged irreparably."

There is a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in this case.