**Published Oct 14, 2025 • 2-minute read**
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Cordon tape marks a crime scene and establishes a police line for ongoing investigations. Photo by Getty Images
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The mother of a 12-year-old girl, whose remains were discovered last week in a storage bin outside an abandoned house in Connecticut, has been charged in connection with her death, along with her boyfriend and sister.
A judge upheld Karla Garcia’s bail at $5 million during a brief court appearance on Tuesday, where she wept as prosecutors outlined the charges against her. The 29-year-old resident of New Britain faces multiple charges, including murder with special circumstances and conspiracy. She did not enter a plea during the hearing, where she was represented by a public defender.
The charges relate to the death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres Garcia, who authorities allege endured “prolonged physical abuse and malnourishment” before her death last fall. Police discovered her remains in a container behind an abandoned home after responding to reports of suspicious activity at the location.
Karla Garcia and her 28-year-old sister, Jackelyn Garcia, were both arrested on Sunday. Karla’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Jonatan Nanita, who authorities believe was seen dropping off several items and a large storage bin at the home that prompted the 911 call, was apprehended on Monday night.
Nanita faces multiple charges, including murder with special circumstances and conspiracy, while Jackelyn Garcia is charged with unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a minor, and intentional cruelty to a person under 19 years old. Her bail was set at $1 million during a brief court appearance on Tuesday alongside her sister, while Nanita’s bail was also set at $5 million. Neither he nor Jackelyn Garcia entered a plea during the hearing. The next court appearances for all three defendants are scheduled for Nov. 14.
**REMAINS FOUND IN ‘ADVANCED STATE OF DECOMPOSITION’**
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, New Britain Police Chief Matt Marino stated that officers found the child’s remains in an “advanced state of decomposition.” Authorities are still working to determine the time and location of her death, but they believe she may have died as far back as fall 2024 while her family was residing in the nearby town of Farmington. Investigators suspect that Jacqueline’s body was kept in the family’s basement before they moved to New Britain, according to Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson.
Further details about the case have not been released due to the ongoing investigation, which Marino indicated could take months to complete.