Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, 12, Found Dead in Container at Abandoned New Britain Home — Mother Karla Garcia Never Reported Her Missing, Father Victor Torres Says

New details have emerged in the heartbreaking case of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, the 12-year-old girl whose body was discovered inside a container behind an abandoned home in New Britain, Connecticut.

Family members now allege that Mimi’s mother, Karla Garcia, who had sole custody, never reported her daughter missing and had disconnected from relatives months before the tragic discovery.

According to the girl’s father, Victor Torres, he last saw his daughter around her 12th birthday in January and had repeatedly tried to contact her with no success.

“I hadn’t seen Mimi since before her birthday. Her mother had custody, but I couldn’t reach her,” Victor told WDBJ7.

Relatives told True Crime News that the family did not report Mimi missing because Garcia had completely cut ties with them, leading many to believe the girl was safe with her mother.

Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres, New Britain, Connecticut 12 year old girl found dead in container at abandoned property along with her father, VIctor Torres.

Authorities discovered human remains inside a large container behind an abandoned property at 80 Clark Street on Wednesday afternoon, following reports of suspicious activity in the area. The New Britain Police Department responded, later confirming the remains belonged to Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres.

Neighbors told WFSB that the property had been vacant for years but was occasionally occupied by squatters.

Police have not yet confirmed the official cause of death, but early reports suggest Karla Garcia may have been involved in her daughter’s death. Authorities have arrested Garcia, though investigators have not disclosed the charges filed against her.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Stephanie Sandoval, a New Britain resident, speaking to FOX61. “This is a quiet, safe street. To hear something like this—it’s unimaginable. It’s someone’s baby.”

Family members and the community gathered Saturday afternoon to honor Mimi’s memory with candles, prayers, and messages demanding justice.

New Britain, Connecticut woman, Karla Garcia, alleged to be the mother of dead girl, Jacqueline Mimi Torres whose body was found in container at abandoned property.

Questions remain about how state authorities and school officials failed to notice the girl’s months-long absence and why child welfare checks were never conducted.

An autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is urged to contact the New Britain Police Detective Division at 860-826-3131.