CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – A Bay Shore man, Holmark Garces, 35, has been found guilty of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint and other related charges following a dramatic series of events that spanned several years. The conviction was announced by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
The victim, who had moved out of Garces’ residence in December 2019 due to his increasingly controlling and abusive behavior, was protected by a stay-away order of protection issued in November 2020. Despite this, Garces continued to stalk and harass her, culminating in a terrifying abduction on October 12, 2022. That night, Garces forcibly grabbed his ex-girlfriend as she was walking in Brentwood, threw her into his car, and drove to Brooklyn while holding a kitchen knife to her leg. Her screams were heard by bystanders and captured on surveillance cameras, which helped lead to Garces’ arrest after a police chase that ended with him crashing into multiple NYPD vehicles.
During the trial, the victim testified about the ongoing abuse and harassment she endured, demonstrating significant courage. District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney praised her bravery and acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Suffolk County Police and the NYPD in bringing Garces to justice. The jury found Garces guilty of second-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon, five counts of criminal contempt, menacing, and harassment.
He faces up to 25 years in prison at his sentencing on June 14, 2024.
For more detailed coverage, you can refer to the press release on the Suffolk County District Attorney’s website.
