Urgent Update: Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres Dies from Child Abuse

UPDATE: The Chief State Medical Examiner in Connecticut has confirmed that 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres died from fatal child abuse with starvation, ruling her death a homicide. This tragic revelation comes after her remains were discovered in a storage tote outside an abandoned home in New Britain on October 8, 2023.

Police reports indicate that Torres weighed a mere 27 pounds at the time of her discovery, a weight attributed to severe malnourishment rather than decomposition. The autopsy results highlight the extreme neglect and abuse she suffered leading to her untimely death.

Authorities have charged three individuals in connection with this horrific case: Karla Garcia, the child’s mother, Jonatan Nanita, her boyfriend, and Jackelyn Garcia, the child’s aunt. Both Karla and Nanita face multiple charges, including murder with special circumstances and conspiracy to commit murder. Jackelyn is charged with intentional cruelty to a child and unlawful restraint.

The investigation details chilling accounts of the living conditions Jacqueline endured. Witness statements reveal that she was allegedly zip-tied in a corner, forced to use pee pads, and was regularly denied food, particularly in the two weeks leading to her death.

During police interviews, both Karla Garcia and Jonatan Nanita blamed each other for the child’s death, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. Warrant affidavits reveal that investigators found Jacqueline’s body curled up in the fetal position inside the tote, accompanied by a laundry basket and bedding. Authorities noted a strong ammonia smell from a powder that had been poured over the remains.

Ken Mysogland, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), described the situation as an “unspeakable tragedy” that has deeply affected Jacqueline’s family, friends, and the entire community. DCF has previously issued statements regarding their involvement with the family but has not commented further following the latest revelations.

This case is developing rapidly, with the community in shock over the details of Jacqueline’s suffering. What happens next involves the legal proceedings as authorities prepare for the arraignment of those charged. The impact of this case extends beyond the courtroom, raising urgent questions about child welfare and protection.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical story unfolds.