Left inset: Karla Garcia (New Britain Police Department). Center inset: Jackelyn Garcia (NBPD). Right inset: Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres (GoFundMe). Background: The abandoned house in New Britain, Conn., where the remains of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres were found in a container outside (WTNH/YouTube).
In a deeply troubling case from Connecticut, police report a 12-year-old girl was fatally abused by her mother, who, alongside her boyfriend, concealed the child’s body in a “plastic storage bin” for nearly a year before abandoning it at a deserted house. Authorities also charged the girl’s aunt with involvement in the alleged abuse.
Local police arrested Karla Garcia, 29, for allegedly murdering her daughter, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, with the assistance of her boyfriend Jonatan Nanita in fall 2024. The announcement of her arrest was made public on Monday night.
Torres, a homeschooled child, allegedly endured “prolonged physical abuse and malnourishment leading up to her death.” Police suspect her murder took place in Farmington. Reports indicate Garcia and Nanita stored the decomposing body in the basement before relocating to New Britain in March.
“In my 35-year career, this ranks as one of the most horrific cases,” stated Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson during a press conference. He was accompanied by New Britain Police Chief Matthew Marino and New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart, who detailed the discovery of Torres’s remains.
“Officers were unaware of the grim discovery awaiting them when they responded to a suspicious activity report on October 8th at 80 Clark Street in New Britain,” Stewart informed the press.
“This caller reported suspicious activity at a known abandoned house in their neighborhood.” Stewart said. “This house had been vacant for over two years and it was owned and is owned by an out-of-state landlord from New York. None of those determined to be involved with this case have ever resided at this property.”
Police believe that it was Nanita who was spotted dropping off the storage bin containing Torres’ remains, along with other items. They allege that when officers arrived on scene, they discovered the container behind the abandoned home. Torres’ body was in an “advanced” state of decomposition, per officials.
“Jacqueline likely died in the fall of 2024 while her family was still residing in Farmington,” Melanson explained. “Following her death, Jacqueline’s body was kept in the family’s basement and subsequently moved when the family relocated.”
Garcia and her sister, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, were both arrested on Sunday night, while Nanita was taken into custody on Monday. Karla Garcia faces charges of murder and child cruelty; Nanita is charged with murder and conspiracy; Jackelyn Garcia is charged with risk of injury to a child, unlawful restraint and child cruelty.
Police say Torres was living with her mother and being homeschooled, which led to her disappearance going largely unnoticed, per officials.
Torres’ father, Victor Torres, and her stepmother, Frances Melendez, told local CBS affiliate WFSB that they didn’t find out she was missing until January, months after investigators believe she was killed. Victor Torres said the last time he spoke to his daughter was on her 12th birthday, which was Jan. 29.
“This case is a deeply heartbreaking and disturbing case,” Melanson told reporters on Monday night. “Our detectives with our local and state partners have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and to bring justice for Jacqueline. No child should ever have to endure such suffering.”
Local officials say they are still awaiting the results of Torres’ autopsy to determine an exact cause and manner of death.
Karla Garcia is currently being held on a $5 million bond, while Jackelyn Garcia is being held on a $1 million bond. Both were due in court on Tuesday to be arraigned. Nanita has yet to be given a court date.
