Murder Suspect's Van Found in Mexico, May Lead To Break In Karen Garcia Case

COLUSA COUNTY (CBS13) — Nine months after Karen Garcia's lifeless body was found in her car in a Woodland parking lot, Williams announced the van her ex-boyfriend was allegedly driving was found Saturday in Mexico.

Karen's ex-boyfriend, Salvador Garcia, is considered the main suspect in the case, according to authorities.

Karen went missing in early January, two days after her sister was killed in a wrong way-crash. As the community searched, her ex-boyfriend Salvador Garcia gave an emotional interview to CBS13.

On January 14, Karen's body was found inside her car in a parking lot in Woodland. Police found evidence of a murder, but who they couldn't find was Salvador.

Police then officially named him as a suspect and began searching for a stolen Toyota van they suspected he was driving. For nine months, there was no sign of Salvador. Then on Saturday night, police in Williams confirmed the van was recovered in Mexico.

RELATED: Community Mourns Karen Garcia, Starts Domestic Violence Non-Profit In Her Honor

Missing persons advocate Holly Woods organized an event when Karen was disappeared. She says she briefly spoke to Salvador at the event.

"He left our event at least an hour before we finished up. He was there with his little girl; she was wearing a bring Karen home shirt as well," Woods said.

She hopes the van will provide clues in Karen's disappearance and lead authorities to whoever may have helped Salvador evade arrest.

"I hope there is information will lead to whoever helped him to this point and where he was going," Woods said.

There is no word from police on exactly where in Mexico the van was located. They believe Salvador has family in the country.