Slain Charlotte County teen’s mother testifies against accused killer

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The mother of a murdered teen testified Wednesday against the man accused of killing her daughter.

David McMannis is on trial for the 2001 death of 19-year-old Tara Sidarovich. She was home alone waiting for a plumber and disappeared.

Sharron McPhillips, Sidarovich’s mother, told the jury she came home to find her daughter’s car parked in the driveway, but her daughter was nowhere to be found.

McPhillips called the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to report her missing but was told she couldn’t do so until at least 24 hours later, she said.

She instead filed a police report for missing jewelry and cash.

“My main concern was that I knew she wasn’t here and her stuff wouldn’t have just been there. It just wouldn’t have,” she said.

Sidarovich’s family and friends witnesses also testified.

Court will resume Thursday morning.