Last week, a tragic incident unfolded as a woman emerged from her home holding the lifeless body of her two-year-old son, who had been fatally shot. Authorities reported that efforts were made to conceal evidence, including the weapon responsible for the child’s death. The woman, identified as Amillia Garcia, was initially released pending trial for her son’s death. However, she was re-arrested on Thursday on charges of attempting to shoplift from a Walmart store.
Garcia faces charges of shoplifting items valued at $250 or less, classified as a petty misdemeanor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which is considered a fourth-degree felony. The teenage girl accompanying her was placed in the care of the state Children, Youth and Families Department. At the time of the incident, Garcia’s attorney was unavailable for comment.
After her arrest, Garcia was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. Prosecutors had previously sought her detention, along with several others, until her trial regarding her son’s death on April 6. However, Judge Bruce Fox of the 2nd Judicial District denied this motion. Court records indicate that the judge concluded the shooting appeared accidental, as loaded firearms had been left accessible within the home. Garcia had been released from jail on April 10 under the condition that she refrains from illegal activities.
The latest incident occurred when police responded to a report of shoplifting at a Walmart located on Carlisle NE, just north of Menaul. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court, officers detained Garcia and the teenage girl involved. A Walmart employee reported witnessing Garcia pass a box of fake eyelashes to the teenager, who then concealed the lashes after opening the box. Loss prevention detained the pair after they bypassed the checkout registers and discovered a chocolate cupcake hidden on Garcia’s person.
Garcia admitted to store employees that she had not purchased the item. She declined to speak with law enforcement, requesting legal representation instead. The value of the stolen goods totaled $27.45, according to police reports.