12-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Box: Mother Arrested for Murder

Discovery of Remains

• 💔 A 12-year-old girl, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, was found dead inside a box behind a vacant home in New Britain, Connecticut.
• 📅 The remains were discovered last week on a Wednesday afternoon, but authorities believe Jacqueline likely died in the fall of 2024.
• 🏠 The vacant house where the remains were found had been empty for over two years and is owned by an out-of-state landlord.

Investigation and Arrests

• 🔍 Authorities confirmed the badly decomposed remains belonged to Jacqueline Torres through various tests.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Jacqueline lived full-time with her mother, Karla Garcia, who had not been seen by her father for months.
• 🏠 Evidence suggests Jacqueline's body was kept in the family's basement in Farmington before being moved when they relocated in March 2025.
• 🚨 Karla Garcia, Jacqueline's mother, has been arrested and charged with murder with special circumstances, held on a $5 million bond.
• 🚓 Karla's sister, Jacqueline Garcia, is also in custody, charged with cruelty to persons under 19, with a $1 million bond.
• 🏃‍♂️ An active arrest warrant is out for Karla's boyfriend, Jonathan Nanita, who is charged with murder with special circumstances and tampering with physical evidence.

Lack of Missing Person Report and Abuse Allegations

• ❓ The mayor of New Britain stated that no missing person report was ever filed for Jacqueline, despite her likely death a year prior.
• 💔 Evidence indicates Jacqueline was a victim of prolonged physical abuse and malnourishment before her death.
• 📞 The initial discovery was prompted by an anonymous caller reporting suspicious activity at the vacant property.

Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation

• 🤝 Law enforcement agencies emphasized their collaborative efforts to seek justice for Jacqueline.
• 🗣️ Officials stated that limited information was released to protect the integrity of the investigation.
• ⚖️ The court system will prosecute the case to the fullest extent of the law.
• ❓ The cause and manner of death are pending official reports from the medical examiner's office, with only a verbal report currently available.
• 📢 Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any additional information regarding the case.