Jonatan Nanita Appears in Court with Bruised Face Over Death of 12-Year-Old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres [VIDEO]

Jonatan Nanita, one of the three suspects charged in connection with the death of 12-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, appeared in court this week with visible bruises on his face.

Nanita, along with Karla Garcia — the victim’s mother — and Jackelyn Garcia, the victim’s aunt, are accused in the shocking case surrounding the discovery of Mimi’s decomposed remains in a container behind an abandoned home on Clark Street on October 8.

Authorities say Karla Garcia faces murder charges, while her sister Jackelyn Garcia has been charged with cruelty to persons. Nanita, Garcia’s boyfriend, is charged with murder and tampering with evidence.

Investigators believe Mimi died in the fall of 2024 while living with her mother and Nanita in Farmington. Police reports indicate the child had suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment before her death. An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The victim’s father, Victor Torres, and stepmother, Frances Melendez, said they learned of Mimi’s death through police notification. Torres revealed that he hadn’t seen or spoken to his daughter since before her 12th birthday on January 29, and that his attempts to reach her in recent months had been unsuccessful.

Karla Garcia is currently being held on a $5 million bond, while Jackelyn Garcia remains in custody on a $1 million bond. Nanita also remains detained pending further court proceedings.