Connecticut mother and aunt arrested after remains of 12-year-old girl discovered in a container.

Authorities in Connecticut announced the arrests of a mother and aunt in connection with the tragic discovery of a 12-year-old girl’s remains. The remains of the girl, identified by police as Jacqueline Torres, were found in a large container located in the backyard of an abandoned building in New Britain. This discovery came after local law enforcement received reports regarding suspicious activity in the area.

The investigation unfolded last Wednesday afternoon when police were called to inspect the abandoned site. Upon arriving, officers located the container that held the remains of an adolescent female. Following the identification of the victim, her family members, including her father Victor Torres and stepmother Frances Melendez, stated they had not seen Jacqueline since January, raising concerns regarding her well-being.

According to investigators, Jacqueline Torres likely died roughly one year prior, during a period when her family resided in Farmington before relocating in March 2025. The mother, Karla Garcia, has been charged with murder under special circumstances and is currently detained with a bond set at million. Additional charges against her include conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a child, tampering with physical evidence, child cruelty, and improper disposal of a body.

Jacqueline’s aunt, Jacqueline Garcia, faces several charges, including risk of injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and cruelty toward minors. She is being held on a bond of million. Notably, the investigation has also implicated Jonatan Nanita, the boyfriend of Karla Garcia, who faces charges for murder with special circumstances and tampering with physical evidence but remains at large, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest with a bond also set at million.

Investigators reported that Jacqueline had experienced physical abuse and malnutrition, and her remains were allegedly hidden in a basement prior to the family’s move last spring. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is currently awaiting further studies to determine the exact cause of death.

Collaboration between Farmington police and the New Britain police continues as the investigation unfolds. New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart clarified that there is no association between the suspects and the abandoned building, which has been vacant for over two years. The community grapples with the shocking nature of this event, as authorities seek to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Jacqueline Torres’ untimely death.