Bakersfield, CA – A heartbreaking case has emerged from central California where an 8-year-old girl was allegedly tortured and killed by her own father and stepmother inside a hotel room, according to police. The child, Genesis A. Mata, was found dead in a bathtub after suffering extensive and fatal abuse.
Tragic Discovery at La Quinta Inn
Officers with the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a 911 call at around 5:37 p.m. on Saturday reporting a possible medical emergency involving an unresponsive child at the La Quinta Inn on Riverside Drive. The caller claimed they had been told that the child might be in danger.
Upon arrival, authorities forced their way into the locked bathroom, where they discovered Genesis unresponsive in the tub. Despite emergency efforts, the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene, bearing signs of substantial trauma.
Two Days of Torture, According to Investigators
A probable cause affidavit later revealed deeply disturbing details. Investigators allege that Ray Mata Jr., 31, and his girlfriend Graciela Bustamonte, 27, subjected Genesis to a horrifying two-day ordeal of torture. The alleged abuse included:
- Pouring scalding water directly onto her skin
- Crushing her hands to the point her fingernails detached
- Repeated physical beatings, culminating in a fatal blow to the stomach
Police said Mata admitted to punching Genesis in the abdomen, which caused her to lose consciousness and ultimately led to her death. Bustamonte reportedly confessed to participating in multiple acts of abuse as well.
Murder and Torture Charges Filed
Both Mata and Bustamonte were arrested Sunday morning and charged with first-degree murder, torture, and other felony counts. During their court appearance on Tuesday, they each pleaded not guilty to all charges. The suspects remain jailed without bond at the Kern County Jail and are scheduled to return to court on August 14 for a pre-preliminary hearing.
“The significant amount of trauma that the child sustained… is what led to the charges of torture,” said Bakersfield Police Assistant Chief Brent Stratton, calling it one of the most disturbing cases their department has ever handled.
Family Claims Child Protective Services Failed Genesis
Family members expressed outrage following the arrests, claiming that Child Protective Services (CPS) had been warned multiple times about abuse in the household. Sabrina Guerrero, Genesis’ cousin, told reporters that there were “big time signs” of mistreatment and that “the system failed her.”
A GoFundMe page started by a relative described Genesis as “full of life, with a beautiful spirit” and said she “loved anything that sparkled.” As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had collected nearly $4,000 toward its $20,000 goal to assist with funeral costs.
Do you believe CPS and the system did enough to protect Genesis? Share your thoughts in the comments.
