A harrowing autopsy report has revealed that an 11-year-old Connecticut girl, allegedly starved to death by her mother and her boyfriend, had consumed nothing but a single blueberry prior to her death. The case has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about child safeguarding.
Chilling Details of Neglect and Abuse
The body of Jacqueline 'Mimi' Torres–Garcia was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition near an abandoned home in New Britain, roughly 30 miles south of New Haven, in October of last year. Her remains weighed a mere 27 pounds, showing a near-total absence of body fat and signs of severe muscle atrophy.
According to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the child died from fatal child abuse linked to 'severe malnourishment'. Arrest warrant affidavits detail that Jacqueline was allegedly starved, restrained with zip ties, and prevented from using the bathroom. Her mother, 29-year-old Karla Garcia, reportedly told investigators she had not fed her daughter for approximately two weeks before her death.
In a disturbing twist, the autopsy found amphetamines and the antihistamine diphenhydramine (sold as Benadryl) in Jacqueline's system. She had never been prescribed these drugs nor diagnosed with a condition requiring stimulants.
A Systematic Cover-Up Attempt
Authorities believe the tragic death occurred around September 2024 while the family lived in a Farmington condo. It is alleged that Jacqueline's body was stored in the basement for months before the family relocated to New Britain.
There, Garcia's then-boyfriend, 30-year-old Jonatan Nanita, allegedly disposed of the child's remains in a storage tote near the abandoned property. Police reports state Garcia asked him to get rid of the tote's contents, giving him hints but never explicitly confirming her daughter was inside.
The cover-up extended for months. Garcia allegedly deceived the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by having someone else pose as Jacqueline on a video call, despite the girl being dead. Jacqueline had been homeschooled after her mother withdrew her from the New Britain school district prior to sixth grade, a move officials say made it harder to verify her wellbeing.
Legal Proceedings and a Father's Anguish
Karla Garcia has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder with special circumstances, conspiracy, risk of injury to a minor, and tampering with evidence. She is scheduled to appear in court on 30 January.
Jonatan Nanita, charged similarly, exercised his right to a probable cause hearing last month and has not yet entered a formal plea. Additionally, the girl's aunt, 28-year-old Jackelyn Garcia, who lived with the family, faces charges including cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment for allegedly witnessing the abuse and failing to intervene.
Jacqueline's father, Victor Torres, learned of his daughter's death from police. He now plans to sue the DCF for $100 million, citing negligence in connection with her horrific death. The case continues to unfold as the community seeks answers and justice for Jacqueline 'Mimi' Torres–Garcia.
