Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Mother, Boyfriend and Aunt Arrested After 12-Year-Old’s Remains Found in New Britain

Investigators say the girl likely died in fall 2024 following prolonged abuse.

AVALON, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 12: A powerful nor’easter brings coastal flooding to the Jersey Shore on Sunday afternoon, with high tide sending water over docks and into streets in Avalon, New Jersey, United States on October 12, 2025. Strong winds and heavy surf caused dangerous conditions along the coast as officials urged residents to avoid flooded areas.
U.S. President Donald Trump shows a signed document during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on Oct. 13, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
Image
Karla Garcia and Jonatan Nanita. (New Britain Police Dept.)

Overview

  • Police publicly identified the victim as 12-year-old Jacqueline Torres at a Monday news conference.
  • Karla Garcia and her boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita, were arrested on murder and related charges, and aunt Jackelyn Garcia faces child cruelty and restraint counts, with bonds set at $5 million, $5 million and $1 million respectively.
  • Officers found the decomposed remains Oct. 8 inside a large storage bin behind an abandoned building at 80 Clark St. after a witness reported items being dropped off, and officials reported no ties to the property.
  • Investigators believe Torres died in Farmington in fall 2024 after prolonged abuse and malnourishment, with her body kept in a basement and later moved when the family relocated in 2025.
  • DCF opened a review of its prior involvement and placed Torres’ siblings together in state custody, while the medical examiner conducts further studies and the mother and aunt are scheduled for court Tuesday.