Garcia’s car was processed by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and investigators found hair in the trunk that was Christie's.  Based on the evidence in the car, investigators were convinced that Christie was deceased.
At this point, Burlando was cleared, while Garcia was arrested and charged with murder, even though there was no body. “That was something our county has never done before,” said Tavares.
The coordinated wide-scale search for Christie's body was concentrated around Garcia’s five-acre property. However, no leads were turned up during their search.
Garcia’s trial began on September 11, 2006. Prosecutors presented a compelling case in which Garcia met Christie at the table, left the casino with her, subdued her, killed her, and hid her body.
Garcia was found guilty of Christie's murder and, on January 11, 2007, he was sentenced to 59 years to life.
After his conviction and sentencing, his wife and children severed ties with him, according to Tavares. Meanwhile, the search for Wilson’s body continued for 13 years.
An interview with one of Garcia’s sons gave detectives the clue they needed, according to Buried in the Backyard. He recalled seeing his father using a tractor in their backyard at the same time Christie had vanished. It was strange because Garcia was supposed to be at a soccer game.
The new homeowners allowed investigators to search the property. In August 2020, a body was unearthed and confirmed to be Christie Wilson through dental records.