KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The man accused of killing a Plainfield Township mother has been bound over to circuit court.
The suspect, Yenly Garcia, was previously charged for the death of 33-year-old Mollie Schmidt.
Wednesday, January 4, Mollie Schmidt's family filled a Wyoming District Courtroom for Garcia's preliminary examination before trial.
Schmidt was found dead in Garcia’s apartment on Aug. 30, 2022, according to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
Mollie was initially reported missing 9 days prior to the discovery of her remains by her dad. She was last seen August 20, and reported missing on August 21, 2022.
Mollie's dad testified that much of those 9-10 days he thought she was missing was a blur of worry and heartache.
Mollie wasn't missing. She was found dead in a Wyoming apartment belonging to Yenly Garcia.
Garcia's brother, Yovany Tellez, testified that Yenly had sent nude images of Mollie to him. Tellez also testified that Garcia met Mollie where she worked as a dancer. The brothers only referred to Mollie as "the stripper," Garcia's brother said. It wasn't until Tellez saw Mollie's photo on the news, being associated with his brother, that he learned her name.
After that, Tellez testified he contacted Garcia about the news of the missing woman, who he recognized as Garcia's former partner.
Tellez testified that Garcia said, "Who [expletive] cares if I killed her?"
Detectives testified that Garcia had shotguns and rounds in his Wyoming home. Garcia first tried to flee to Canada before getting stopped at the Ambassador Bridge, according to official testimony.
Garcia ended up fleeing to Mexico, but was brought back to face charges in Kent County by authorities.
Detectives also testified that Garcia's Wyoming home smelled of decomposition from the moment they opened the door.
Mollie was found dead in the apartment's back bedroom. The medical examiner determined a gunshot wound to the head killed her.
The medical examiner also testified that Mollie had likely died shortly after she was reported missing. Her hands had started the early stages of mumification.
Mollie Schmidt's aunt, Lisa McGraw, says for their family— they're ready for justice.
“It’s hard but it’s... we’re ready,” McGraw said. “I’m thrilled with the work the police has done, with the work the prosecutors have done for us. I think its a good solid case."
READ MORE: Man accused in Plainfield Twp. mother's death charged with homicide
