Three people have been arrested in Connecticut after a 12-year-old girl's remains were discovered in a container behind an abandoned home.

According to WFSB, authorities arrested Karla Garcia, 29, the mother of Jacqueline "Mimi" Torres, along with Garcia's sister and boyfriend, in connection with the child's death. The arrests came after police found the girl's remains near an abandoned property on Clark Street in New Britain on October 8.

City officials announced that Karla Garcia faces charges of murder and child cruelty, while her sister, 28-year-old Jackelyn Garcia, was charged with risk of injury to a child and child cruelty. Police believe Mimi suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment before her death.

Arrests and Criminal Charges Filed

Karla Garcia was taken into custody Sunday night and charged with multiple offenses, including murder. Her bond was set at $5 million due to the severity of the charges.

Jackelyn Garcia, the victim's aunt, faces charges of risk of injury to a child and child cruelty. She is being held on a $1 million bond.

An arrest warrant for murder and tampering with evidence was issued for Karla Garcia's boyfriend, 30-year-old Jonatan Nanita. New Britain police confirmed his arrest Monday evening.

Timeline of Events Under Investigation

Authorities believe Mimi died in the fall of 2024 while living with her family in Farmington. Investigators say the girl's body was likely kept in the basement of their Farmington home for several months.

The family moved from Farmington to New Britain in March 2025. Police suspect the remains were transported to the new location during this move.

The remains were discovered in a container in the backyard of an abandoned home on Clark Street. An autopsy is currently being conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Father Reports Months Without Contact

Victor Torres, Mimi's father, and Frances Melendez, the girl's stepmother, learned of her death from the police on Thursday. Torres said he had not seen or spoken to his daughter since before her 12th birthday on January 29.

The father said Mimi was living with her mother, who had custody of the child. He believes his daughter may have been missing since January or potentially earlier.

Torres told investigators he had been unable to get in touch with Mimi for months despite attempts to contact her. Family members identified the victim as Jacqueline Torres, who went by the nickname "Mimi."

Lessons to Learn

This tragic case offers critical reminders about child safety and the importance of vigilance, though we must always remember that crime can strike anyone, and victims are never to blame. While no action can guarantee complete protection, there are steps we can take to help safeguard vulnerable individuals. Let’s explore some key lessons from Mimi’s story.

1. Stay connected with loved ones: Regular communication with family members, especially children, can help identify when something is wrong early on, as Victor Torres’ inability to reach Mimi for months was a missed warning sign.

2. Recognize signs of abuse: Learning to spot physical or behavioral indicators of neglect or mistreatment, such as withdrawal or visible injuries, can prompt timely intervention.

3. Report concerns promptly: If you suspect a child is in danger, contacting local authorities or child protective services can be a lifesaving step, even if you’re unsure of the full situation.

These lessons are not foolproof, and we must avoid placing blame on those who couldn’t foresee such horrors. The responsibility lies with perpetrators, not victims or their loved ones. Our focus should be on prevention and support for those in need.

Why This Story Matters

The death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers some children face, even within their own homes. It compels us to examine how communities and systems can better protect the most vulnerable among us. This case has sparked conversations about child welfare and the need for stronger safety nets in Connecticut and beyond. As a society, we must advocate for resources that support at-risk families and ensure no child slips through the cracks. Stories like Mimi’s demand our attention, not just for justice, but to inspire change that could prevent future tragedies. Her memory should fuel efforts to create a safer world for all children.

In conclusion, the heartbreaking case of 12-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres began with her mysterious absence since at least January 2024, culminating in the discovery of her remains on October 8, 2024, in New Britain, Connecticut, and revealed allegations of prolonged abuse and neglect while living with her mother, Karla Garcia, in Farmington. The arrests of Karla, charged with murder and held on a $5 million bond, her sister Jackelyn, charged with child cruelty and held on a $1 million bond, and Karla’s boyfriend Jonatan Nanita, charged with murder and evidence tampering, have exposed a disturbing family dynamic.