In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of New Britain, Connecticut, a mother, her sister, and her ex-boyfriend have been arrested in connection to the alleged murder of 12-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres. The young girl’s remains were discovered in a container behind a vacant home, nearly a year after she was purportedly killed.
Jacqueline Torres, known affectionately as Mimi, was reported missing for approximately a year before her body was found on October 8, 2024. Authorities believe she died in the fall of 2023, during a period of prolonged abuse and neglect by her family. The suspects—Carla Garcia, Mimi’s mother; Jacqueline Garcia, her aunt; and Jonathan Nanita, her mother’s ex-boyfriend—now face multiple charges, including murder and risk of injury to a minor.
Newly released body camera footage shows the chaotic moments leading to the family’s arrest. Officers encountered Carla Garcia exhibiting signs of distress as she attempted to mislead them regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, claiming Mimi was with a friend. However, investigators had already uncovered the grim reality of Mimi’s fate.
According to police reports, evidence suggests that Mimi endured severe malnourishment and physical abuse prior to her death. Allegations include that she was zip-tied as punishment and left to die in her family’s home. Following her death, her body was allegedly hidden in the basement before being transported to the vacant house where it was ultimately discovered.
During police interviews, Carla Garcia shifted blame onto Nanita, asserting that he was responsible for Mimi’s death, while claiming she was coerced into participating in the abuse. However, the medical examiner’s findings revealed no signs of recent trauma, contradicting Garcia’s claims of a violent death, instead indicating fatal child abuse due to starvation. Mimi was found to have weighed a mere 26 to 27 pounds at the time of her death.
Jacqueline Garcia, the aunt, also faces serious charges, including unlawful restraint and risk of injury to a child. In her interviews with police, she admitted to witnessing the abuse and neglect, further implicating herself in the harrowing treatment of her niece.
The case has raised questions about the role of child protective services, which had previously been in contact with the family. Reports indicate that DCF had investigated concerns related to the family as recently as January 2024. In a disturbing revelation, it was alleged that Carla Garcia deceived officials by using another child to impersonate Mimi during a video call meant to check on her welfare.
All three suspects are currently in custody, with Carla Garcia and Jonathan Nanita held on a $5 million bond each, while Jacqueline Garcia’s bond is set at $1 million. The community remains in shock as the tragic details of this case emerge, prompting discussions about the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to persist unnoticed for so long. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on November 14, where further proceedings will take place.
