New Britain Girl’s Death Ruled Homicide Due to Starvation; Three Face Charges
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The death of 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, whose body was found in a tote in New Britain, Connecticut on October 8th, has been ruled a homicide resulting from fatal child abuse and starvation.Authorities allege the girl died approximately a year before her body was discovered, while the family resided in Farmington, and was concealed before being moved to new Britain. Three individuals – Mimi’s mother, Karla Garcia; Karla Garcia’s former boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita; and Mimi’s aunt, Jackelyn Garcia – have been arrested in connection with her death.
Details of the Case
According to police reports, Mimi weighed only 26 to 27 pounds at the time of her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be fatal child abuse with starvation, and the manner of death as homicide. https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/new-britain-jacqueline-mimi-torres-garcia-death-cause-of-death/2834491/
Investigators believe Mimi’s body was initially kept in the basement of the family’s Farmington home for a year before being moved to the New Britain location.
Charges Filed
Jonatan Nanita faces the most severe charges, including:
* Murder with special circumstances
* Conspiracy to commit murder with special circumstances
* Risk of injury to a minor
* Cruelty to a child
* Tampering with physical evidence
* Disposal of a dead body
Nanita is currently held on a $5 million bond. https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-mimi-torres-garcia-nanita-charges-20231022-q6q66q66q6dq3j66q6q6q6q6-story.html
Karla Garcia has been charged with:
* Murder with special circumstances
* Conspiracy to commit murder with special circumstances
* Risk of injury to a child
* Intentional cruelty to a child
* Unlawful restraint in the first degree
* Tampering with physical evidence
* Disposal of a dead body
She is also being held on a $5 million bond.
Jackelyn Garcia faces the following charges:
* Intentional cruelty
* Unlawful restraint in the first degree
* Risk of injury to a child
Her bond is set at $1 million. https://www.fox61.com/news/mimi-torres-garcia-case-aunt-jackelyn-garcia-charged/
Upcoming Court Dates
All three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on November 14th. https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/new-britain-jacqueline-mimi-torres-garcia-death-cause-of-death/2834491/
Resources and Support
This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you are encouraged to report it.
* Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453 (https://www.childhelp.org/)
* Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF): 1-800-842-9729 (https://portal.ct.gov/DCF)
* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (https://www.thehotline.org/)
This is a developing story