Connecticut Mother and Boyfriend Accused of Keeping 12-Year-Old’s Body in Storage Bin for Months After Murder
NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT — Authorities in Connecticut say a 12-year-old homeschooled girl’s murder went unnoticed for nearly a year after her mother and boyfriend allegedly kept her body in a plastic storage bin inside their home before abandoning it behind an empty house.
Karla Garcia, 29, and her boyfriend Jonatan Nanita have been charged with murder and child cruelty in the death of Garcia’s daughter, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres. Garcia’s sister, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, is also facing charges of risk of injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and cruelty for allegedly helping cover up the crime.
Police say the case is one of the most disturbing child abuse investigations Connecticut has ever seen.
Body Found Behind Abandoned House
The case came to light on October 8, when a caller reported suspicious activity at a vacant property on Clark Street in New Britain. Officers responding to the scene discovered a large plastic container behind the home, which had been vacant for two years.
Inside the bin, police found the decomposed remains of a child later identified as Jacqueline Torres. Investigators believe she died in the fall of 2024, when the family was living in Farmington, and that her body had been kept in their basement for months before being moved.
“In 35 years, this is one of the worst cases that we’ve had,” said Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson during a press conference, calling the discovery “deeply heartbreaking and disturbing.”
Investigators: Family Lived With the Body for Nearly a Year
Authorities say Garcia and Nanita continued living with the child’s body until they moved to New Britain in March 2025. The plastic bin was allegedly moved with them and stored in their new home before Nanita dumped it behind the abandoned house earlier this month.
New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart said officers had “no idea what they would be walking into” when responding to the call.
Police also revealed that Jacqueline was homeschooled, allowing the abuse and disappearance to go unnoticed by teachers or school officials. Investigators described signs of prolonged physical abuse and malnourishment prior to her death.
Father Says He Didn’t Know His Daughter Was Missing
Victor Torres, Jacqueline’s father, told CBS affiliate WFSB that he hadn’t known his daughter was missing until January 2025, months after she was likely killed.
He said the last time he spoke to her was on her 12th birthday, January 29, adding that the revelation of her death “destroyed” him.
Officials are still awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause and manner of death, but both Garcia and Nanita are being held on multi-million-dollar bonds while the investigation continues.
Police Condemn ‘Heartbreaking’ Case
Authorities called the discovery one of the most horrific child abuse cases in recent memory.
“No child should ever have to endure such suffering,” Chief Melanson said. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly to bring justice for Jacqueline.”
Local residents have since created an online GoFundMe to honor Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, describing her as a bright and kindhearted girl who “deserved so much more than what happened to her.”
As police continue gathering evidence in the case, officials say they hope it brings awareness to the dangers of isolation and hidden child abuse in homeschooling situations. For updates on major crime investigations and justice news across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.