Dad, Stepmom Charged in Torture Murder of 8-Year-Old Girl
Share this @internewscast.com

This week, the father and stepmother of an 8-year-old girl from California, who was discovered deceased in a hotel bathtub over the weekend, attended a court hearing where they both pled not guilty to her death.

Genesis Ariah Mata’s body was found at a La Quinta Inn in Bakersfield on Saturday evening, according to a report from KBAK. Official statements indicate that during a two-day period, Graciela Bustamonte, 27, and Ray Mata Jr., 31, collaborated in torturing the girl, involving incidents of pouring extremely hot water on her, which led to her skin being severely burned.

The documents also say the pair crushed the girl’s hand, causing her fingernails to separate from her fingers.

Mata reportedly confessed to investigators that he struck the girl in the abdomen, which eventually led to her losing consciousness and passing away. The court documents also reveal that Bustamonte admitted her involvement in the abusive actions.

They face charges of first-degree murder, child cruelty, and torture, and have been denied bail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for the following month.

KGET reports that seven other children were placed into protective custody following the discovery of the child’s body. A representative from the district attorney’s office mentioned that the charges of child cruelty involve two victims, though the second victim hasn’t been named.

Sabrina Guerrero, who identified herself as Genesis’s cousin, mentioned to KGET that the family had reached out to Child Protective Services over 20 times concerning issues within the family.

“It’s a bad situation and CPS needs to be held accountable for everything. Cause they were called on numerous occasions and went out and did investigations and completely left the whole case,” she said.

CPS and the Kern County Department of Human Services declined to answer questions about those allegations.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Florida Woman Nabbed for Series of ‘Bad Date’ Robberies: Police

Angelina Chenel Esty (Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation). A Florida woman was recently…

Police Utilize Flashbang to Apprehend Man Holding Children Hostage

Background: The entrance into Chambers Drive in Matthews, North Carolina (Google Maps).…

Man Without Home Accused of Stealing Over $1000 Worth of Goods from Dick’s Sporting Goods and CVS

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kevin Michael Palmgren, 39, was apprehended on…

Tragic Incident: Man Fatally Assaults Girlfriend’s 4-Year-Old with Cord

Inset: Image of Kasiem Stephens provided by the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.…

Man Apprehended Following Intense Pursuit at Shopping Center in Southern Perth

A 30-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences after leading police…

Suspect on Pre-Trial Release Arrested Again for Armed Robbery

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities detained Pierre Lavon Williams, 35, following…

Police Report: Man Assaults Girlfriend Inside Car

Inset: Bradly Carl Dickens (Taylor Police Department). Background: The crossroads of Beech…

Police: Man Fatally Shoots Woman Following Dispute Over Religion

Inset: Calvin Johnson, Sr. (Shelby County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The address on…

Husband Who Killed Wife Collapses and Dies During Court Hearing: District Attorney

Inset: James Paul Anderson being transported from the courthouse following a medical…

Tragic Incident: Man Takes Girlfriend’s Life Following Communication Breakdown

Robert Wayne Murray (Palm Beach County Sheriff”s Office). A Florida man will…

Dismissed Florida Officer Allegedly Caught Posing as Police

Left: Paul Fluty (Volusia County Corrections). Right: The individual identified as Fluty…

Toddler Survives Fall from Second-Story Window, Found on Main Road: Police Report

Inset, top to bottom: Anthony Grogg and Victoria Frampton (West Virginia Department…