An autopsy revealed that a young girl, Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, nicknamed Mimi, had only consumed a single blueberry before her death due to alleged starvation by her mother. Jacqueline was discovered deceased on October 8 in a vacant residence in New Britain, Connecticut. The autopsy report from the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner disclosed that she suffered severe malnutrition and muscle atrophy leading to her demise.
The examination indicated that the 11-year-old had minimal body fat, weighing a mere 27 pounds. Her body was found in a highly deteriorated state, curled up in a fetal position. Additionally, the autopsy detected diphenhydramine, an active component of Benadryl, in her system despite the absence of a medical prescription for the drug.
Karla Garcia, Jacqueline’s mother, aged 29, has been charged with murder and related offenses. Garcia has denied the accusations and remains in custody on a $5 million bond, with a court appearance scheduled for January 30.
Authorities allege that Garcia intentionally deprived her daughter of food for an extended period, leading to severe abuse. Court records suggest that Garcia admitted to not feeding Jacqueline for around two weeks before her passing.
Karla’s former partner, Jonatan Nanita, aged 30, faces charges of murder and conspiracy for allegedly aiding in restraining the child and disposing of her body. Nanita has not entered a plea and has requested a probable cause hearing.
The investigation indicates that Jacqueline passed away in September 2024 while residing with her family in Farmington. Her body was reportedly stored in the family’s basement for months before being relocated to another property in New Britain. Authorities claim that Nanita relocated her remains in a plastic container concealed in the yard of an abandoned residence.
According to police reports, Jacqueline endured zip-tying, bathroom restrictions, and severe neglect. Although no recent fractures or major injuries were found, investigators believe that the lack of sustenance and prolonged confinement led to her tragic death.
Jacqueline had previously lived with her paternal grandparents until 2022 when custody was regained by Garcia. Subsequently, she was withdrawn from public school and homeschooled, complicating efforts to monitor her well-being.
The school district in New Britain confirmed that Jacqueline had attended local schools up to the fifth grade before her mother withdrew her from the system.
Authorities also accuse Garcia of deceiving the state Department of Children and Families by using another child to impersonate Jacqueline during a video call following her demise.
Jacqueline’s father, Victor Torres, was informed of his daughter’s death by law enforcement. He intends to file a $100 million lawsuit against the Department of Children and Families, citing negligence.
Garcia faces a range of charges, including murder with special circumstances, conspiracy, risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to a child, tampering with evidence, and improper disposal of a body. Nanita faces similar charges related to the case.
Additionally, Jacqueline’s aunt, Jackelyn Garcia, aged 28, has been arrested for allegedly witnessing the abuse in the household without intervening. She faces charges of cruelty to persons, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, and multiple counts of risk of injury, and is held on a $1 million bond. The investigation is ongoing as per authorities.