Karla Garcia and Boyfriend Jonaton Nanita to Be Charged with Murder of 12-Year-Old Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres; Mother’s Sister Jacqueline Garcia Also Faces Charges

New Britain, Connecticut — Authorities have charged Karla Garcia, the mother of 12-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, and her boyfriend Jonaton Nanita with murder and conspiracy to commit murder following the discovery of the young girl’s body inside a container behind an abandoned home in New Britain last week.

According to New Britain Police Chief Matt Marino, investigators believe Jacqueline was the victim of prolonged abuse and malnutrition, and that her death likely occurred sometime in 2024. Police allege her body was stored in the basement of the family’s home in Farmington before being moved to the abandoned property at 80 Clark Street after the family relocated.

The victim’s remains were discovered after officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at the vacant home on Wednesday afternoon. Inside a large container along the fence line, investigators found human remains later identified as those of the 12-year-old girl. Police said the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Authorities have confirmed that Karla Garcia, her boyfriend Jonaton Nanita, and Karla’s sister, Jacqueline Garcia, played roles in concealing the crime. While Karla and her sister are now in custody, police said Nanita remains at large and are appealing to the public for assistance in locating him.

Karla Garcia (pictured right side) & her boyfriend, Jonaton Nanita charged in death of 12 year old girl, Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres found dead in container in New Britain, Connecticut.

Jacqueline Garcia, the victim’s aunt, has been charged with cruelty to persons, while Karla faces charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Karla Garcia is being held on a $5 million bond, and Jacqueline Garcia on a $1 million bond, according to WFSB.

Police reports indicate that no one ever reported Jacqueline missing, despite her father, Victor Torres, repeatedly attempting to contact her around her 12th birthday on January 29th. The father, who did not have custody, had previously said that Karla had been disengaging from the family and cutting off communication.

New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart confirmed that the abandoned property where the child’s body was found had been vacant for more than two years. She added that the last known record of Jacqueline’s schooling was homeschooling, managed by her mother.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the precise cause and manner of death.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) released a statement expressing grief and support for the community:

“We are profoundly saddened by the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of an adolescent girl. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and neighbors for the pain and loss they are experiencing.”

Police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jonaton Nanita to contact the New Britain Police Detective Division at 860-826-3131.