Farmington, CT – A 12-year-old girl in Connecticut was allegedly killed by her mother, Karla Garcia, and her boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita, who hid her body for nearly a year in a “plastic storage bin” before discarding it at an abandoned house, authorities have confirmed. Garcia’s sister, Jackelyn Garcia, is also accused of participating in the abuse, which allegedly went unnoticed due to the victim being homeschooled.
The Death and Discovery of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres
Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres was reportedly abused and malnourished before her death, which authorities believe occurred in the fall of 2024. Police say Garcia, 29, and Nanita, her 33-year-old boyfriend, kept the young girl’s body hidden in the basement of their home in Farmington for months before moving it to New Britain in March 2025. Torres’ decomposing body was eventually found behind an abandoned house in New Britain on October 8, 2025, after an anonymous caller reported suspicious activity.
Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson described the case as one of the most disturbing in his 35-year career, emphasizing the brutal nature of the crime. He said, “In 35 years, this is one of the worst cases that we’ve had.” The investigation revealed that Nanita was likely the one who dropped off the body in the abandoned house, where it was discovered in an “advanced” state of decomposition. Local authorities are still awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The Role of the Garcia Family in the Crime
The family’s horrifying actions were uncovered after a report of suspicious activity led officers to the property. Police said that Torres’ mother and her boyfriend kept her body hidden for months in their basement before moving it to the New Britain property when they relocated. The case remained largely unnoticed for months, as Torres was homeschooled, and her absence went undetected by school officials or the public.
It wasn’t until January 2025 that Torres’ father, Victor Torres, and stepmother, Frances Melendez, became aware of her disappearance. Victor Torres shared that the last time he spoke to his daughter was on her 12th birthday, January 29.
“The pain of losing my daughter this way is unimaginable,” said Victor Torres. “I didn’t even know she was missing until much later, and now I’ll never get to speak to her again.”
Charges Against the Garcia Family
Karla Garcia was arrested on Sunday, and Jonatan Nanita was taken into custody on Monday. Garcia faces charges of murder and child cruelty, while Nanita is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit the crime. Jackelyn Garcia, the victim’s aunt, is charged with risk of injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and child cruelty.
The charges stem from the prolonged physical abuse and neglect that Torres allegedly suffered before her death. Authorities have stated that Torres endured months of severe malnutrition, physical harm, and emotional trauma at the hands of her mother, boyfriend, and aunt.
Police say that Torres’ abuse was particularly difficult to uncover because of her homeschooling. As a result, she was isolated from many external contacts who might have noticed the signs of abuse. The absence of regular school attendance meant that there were no school officials or friends to report her well-being.
A Family’s Grief and Justice for Jacqueline Torres
This tragic case has shaken the local community, and officials are working to ensure that justice is served for the young girl. Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson noted that the investigation involved multiple local and state agencies and that the case is deeply disturbing. “Our detectives with our local and state partners have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice for Jacqueline. No child should ever have to endure such suffering,” Melanson said during a press conference on October 9.
As the investigation continues, Torres’ family is grappling with the loss of a child who suffered unimaginable pain in her final months. Victor Torres, still reeling from the discovery, has called for justice for his daughter and promised to fight for the truth to come to light.
The Legal Process and Current Arrest Status
Karla Garcia is currently being held on a $5 million bond, while her sister Jackelyn Garcia is being held on a $1 million bond. Both women were due in court for arraignment on Tuesday, while Nanita has yet to be given a court date. The charges against the family members reflect the severity of the crimes committed and the length of time the body was hidden, raising questions about how such a tragedy went unnoticed for so long.
The Community Reacts
The news of Torres’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief and shock from the community. Local residents and officials alike have expressed their horror at the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s life and death. The authorities have made it clear that no child should ever have to endure the suffering Jacqueline Torres did, and they have vowed to pursue justice for her in the coming legal proceedings.
Call to Action
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