New Britain, CT – The remains of a 12-year-old girl who had been missing for nearly a year were discovered inside a plastic container behind an abandoned building, leading to the arrest of her mother, aunt, and the mother’s boyfriend. Authorities say the child, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment before her death.
The Incident: Missing Girl Found Dead in a Container
On October 8, officers from the New Britain Police Department responded to a report of suspicious activity near 80 Clark Street, where they discovered a large sealed container in the backyard of an abandoned property. Inside were human remains later identified as belonging to Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, who had not been seen publicly in nearly a year.
At a press conference on October 13, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart expressed deep sorrow over the discovery.
“As a mother, this makes me sick to my stomach to be standing here today,” she said.
Investigators determined that Jacqueline likely died in the fall of 2024, while her family lived in Farmington, Connecticut. Evidence gathered at the scene suggested that her body had been hidden in a cellar before being moved to New Britain earlier this month.
Investigation and Evidence: Signs of Prolonged Abuse
According to Farmington Public Safety Director Paul Melanson, investigators believe that Jacqueline was subjected to severe physical abuse and malnourishment before her death.
“Evidence indicates that Jacqueline was the victim of prolonged physical abuse and malnourishment prior to her death,” Melanson stated during the press conference.
Authorities say the girl’s body remained concealed in her family’s home until they relocated from Farmington in March 2025. Weeks later, the container with Jacqueline’s remains was allegedly transported to New Britain by Jonatan Nanita, the boyfriend of the child’s mother.
Police have described the crime as “one of the most disturbing cases of child abuse and concealment in recent memory.” They continue to gather forensic evidence and review communications among the suspects.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
On October 12, police arrested Karla Garcia, 29, the victim’s mother, and charged her with murder with special circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder, intentional cruelty to a child under the age of 19, and improper disposal of a dead body. She is currently being held on a $5 million bond.
The following day, Jacqueline’s aunt, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, was also arrested and charged with first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to a child, and child endangerment. Her bond was set at $1 million.
Police later arrested Jonatan Nanita, 30, on October 13, in connection with the child’s murder. Investigators believe Nanita transported the container containing Jacqueline’s remains to the Clark Street location.
“He and Garcia are accused of killing Jacqueline,” officials said at the news conference.
Reactions and Statements from Officials
During Monday’s press conference, Police Chief Matthew Marino confirmed that the ongoing investigation has revealed “extensive evidence of neglect and abuse.” He said all three suspects are being held accountable for their roles in concealing the death.
Mayor Erin Stewart added that the community is grieving deeply:
“This tragedy has shaken us to our core. No child should ever experience such suffering.”
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) confirmed that the agency had prior involvement with the family. In a statement, Interim DCF Commissioner Susan Hamilton said,
“We can confirm Jacqueline’s siblings are safe and have been placed together in state custody. We’ve already begun a detailed analysis of the family’s history.”
Officials have also confirmed that Jacqueline had been homeschooled, raising questions about how the prolonged abuse went undetected.
Background Context: A Pattern of Abuse and Neglect
Authorities said Jacqueline’s death reflects an ongoing challenge faced by state welfare agencies in identifying hidden abuse in at-home or homeschooled environments. Child welfare advocates stress the importance of regular wellness checks for vulnerable children, particularly those isolated from the education system.
Connecticut has previously seen reforms in child safety laws following high-profile abuse cases, and officials have pledged to review DCF procedures to determine whether intervention opportunities were missed.
Ongoing Developments and Community Response
As police continue their investigation, they are awaiting final autopsy results to determine Jacqueline’s exact cause of death. Prosecutors are expected to pursue life sentences for both Karla Garcia and Jonatan Nanita if convicted of murder with special circumstances.
A GoFundMe campaign created to assist with Jacqueline’s funeral expenses describes her as a “bright, joyful 12-year-old who brought laughter and warmth to everyone around her.” The page adds that she “loved dancing, smiling, and taking care of her siblings.”
Local residents have begun leaving flowers, candles, and messages at the Clark Street site where the container was found, turning it into a small memorial for Jacqueline.
Conclusion
The death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia has left the Connecticut community heartbroken and demanding justice. As the investigation unfolds, authorities vow to ensure those responsible for her suffering and death are held fully accountable, while child advocates call for stronger protections to prevent such tragedies in the future.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
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