The chilling saga of Holmark Garces, 35, of Bay Shore, reached a climax as a jury delivered a guilty verdict in a case that sent shockwaves through Suffolk County. Garces stood accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint, a crime that could see him locked away for up to 25 years.
The trial, presided over by Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, unfolded a harrowing narrative of abuse and terror inflicted upon the victim by Garces. The evidence presented painted a grim picture of Garces’ controlling and manipulative behavior, beginning when they lived together in Bay Shore. Reports revealed Garces’ pattern of isolation, surveillance, and intimidation, which intensified after the victim ended their relationship and moved out in December 2019.
Despite a stay-away order of protection issued in November 2020, valid until 2025, Garces relentlessly stalked and harassed the victim over the following years. Multiple arrests for violating the order of protection underscored the severity of his actions, with incidents ranging from confronting her at home to approaching her in public places.
The climax of Garces’ reign of terror came on October 12, 2022, when he brazenly abducted the victim from a Brentwood street. Witnesses recounted hearing her screams as Garces forcibly dragged her into his car, brandishing a kitchen knife. The victim’s quick thinking, texting her son for help and utilizing a GPS tracking app, triggered a swift response from law enforcement.
Suffolk County Police, armed with real-time location data from the victim’s son, intercepted Garces’ vehicle in Brooklyn. A dramatic pursuit ensued, with Garces crashing into NYPD vehicles in a desperate attempt to evade capture. However, the combined efforts of Suffolk County and NYPD officers led to his apprehension and the recovery of the weapon used in the kidnapping.
Garces now faces a formidable array of charges, including Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Contempt, Menacing, and Harassment. His sentencing, scheduled for June 14, 2024, looms as a decisive moment in a case that has gripped the community with fear and outrage.
District Attorney Tierney’s acknowledgment of the victim’s courage in testifying against Garces echoed sentiments of resilience and justice prevailing in the face of unspeakable violence. As the sentencing date approaches, the community watches with bated breath, hoping for a verdict that reflects the gravity of Garces’ crimes and offers solace to the victim and all affected by this ordeal.
