Attorneys confirm Mario Garcia will take the stand in his own defense

Attorneys for accused murderer Mario Garcia said Monday that their client will take the stand in his own defense.Mario F. Garcia, 54, of Auburn has been charged with the murder of Christie Wilson, 27, of Sacramento. Wilson was last seen leaving the Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln in Garcia's company in the early morning hours of Oct. 5. She hasn't been seen since.Jury selection in the case began Monday in a Sacramento Superior courtroom. Garcia's attorney Ron Peters told perspective juror that he expects his client to testify."At this point we're planning on having our client take the stand," Peters said Monday evening. "He has nothing to hide."Garcia and Wilson were seen on casino surveillance video tape gambling together. The two are seen leaving the casino, however, Garcia contends that he and Wilson parted ways in the parking lot of the when Wilson returned to retrieve her lost cell phone.The video tape does not show that Wilson ever returned to the casino. Her car was found abandoned in the parking lot.Garcia was charged with Wilson's murder Oct. 28, 2005. He has been behind bars in Placer County jail ever since. Wilson's mother, Debbie Boyd, said Monday night in a telephone interview that she expected Garcia's testimony."That's within his legal rights," she said. "It certainly doesn't surprise me."Law enforcement conducted multiple searches in the Lincoln, Dutch Flat and the Auburn area. Wilson's family also searched the areas numerous times with volunteers to no avail. Opening arguments are expected to begin Sept. 25 in Dept. 41 of Sacramento County Superior Court. The case was moved from Placer County due to extensive media coverage. The Journal's Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com.