A young girl, reportedly deprived of food by her mother and found dead in a vacant home, had only one blueberry in her stomach at the time of her death, as revealed by a recent autopsy report. Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, known as Mimi, was discovered lifeless on October 8 in a New Britain, Connecticut basement. The examination by the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner disclosed that the 11-year-old suffered severe malnutrition, muscle atrophy, and had minimal body fat, weighing a mere 27 pounds.
Upon investigation, it was noted that Jacqueline’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, folded tightly in a fetal position. Additionally, traces of diphenhydramine, a Benadryl component not medically prescribed, were found in her system. The child’s mother, Karla Garcia, 29, has been charged with murder and related offenses, entering a plea of not guilty and held on a $5 million bond, with a court appearance set for January 30.
Allegations suggest that Garcia purposely starved her daughter for weeks, inflicting prolonged abuse. Court records indicate that Garcia admitted to withholding food from Jacqueline for about two weeks before her demise. Garcia’s former partner, Jonatan Nanita, 30, faces similar charges of murder and conspiracy, being accused of restraining the child and disposing of her remains.
The tragic incident is believed to have occurred in September 2024 while Jacqueline resided with her family in Farmington. Investigations suggest that her body was stored in the family’s basement for an extended period before being relocated to an abandoned home in New Britain. Reports indicate that Jacqueline was subjected to extreme neglect, restrained with zip-ties, and denied basic necessities, leading to her death.
Jacqueline, who had previously lived with her paternal grandparents until her mother regained custody in 2022, was withdrawn from public school and homeschooled, complicating efforts to monitor her well-being. The New Britain school district confirmed her attendance through fifth grade before her mother removed her from the school system.
Authorities claim that Garcia deceived the Department of Children and Families post-Jacqueline’s death by having another child pose as her daughter during a video call. Jacqueline’s father, Victor Torres, intends to file a negligence lawsuit against the Department of Children and Families, seeking $100 million in damages.
Garcia and Nanita are facing an array of charges, including murder, conspiracy, and various offenses related to the child’s mistreatment. Another family member, Jacqueline’s aunt, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, has also been arrested for witnessing the abuse and failing to intervene, facing charges of cruelty, unlawful restraint, endangerment, and multiple counts of risking injury, with ongoing investigations underway.
