NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Karla Garcia, 29, has been charged with murdering her 12-year-old daughter, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, along with her boyfriend Jonatan Nanita. Local police announced the allegations on Monday night after Torres’ remains were discovered in a container outside an abandoned house.
Torres reportedly suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment prior to her death. Authorities suspect that she was killed in the fall and that her body was hidden in the family’s basement before being moved after the family relocated to New Britain in March.
“This is one of the worst cases that we’ve had,” said Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson during a press conference. He stated that the girl’s body was found after police received a tip about suspicious activity at a known abandoned property.
“A caller reported suspicious activity at a known abandoned house,” said New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart. Officers discovered the container behind the vacant house, where Torres’ body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.
Authorities believe Nanita was seen dropping off the storage bin containing the remains. Garcia and her sister, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, were arrested on Sunday night, while Nanita was taken into custody on Monday.
Karla Garcia faces multiple charges, including murder and child cruelty, while Nanita faces murder charges along with conspiracy. Jackelyn Garcia is accused of risk of injury to a child and child cruelty.
Torres’ father, Victor Torres, was unaware of her disappearance until January, a significant time after her suspected death. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and to bring justice for Jacqueline,” Melanson stated at the press briefing.
Authorities are awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Torres’ death. Karla Garcia is being held on a $5 million bond. Jackelyn Garcia is held on a $1 million bond, while Nanita’s court date has not been announced.
This tragic case signals a disturbing end for a young girl whose reality remained hidden from the world.