Starvation Homicide Ruling in Connecticut Girl’s Death as Three Relatives Return to Court

Overview

• The state medical examiner determined Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia died from fatal child abuse with starvation, and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
• At Torrington Superior Court on Friday, Karla Garcia and her sister, Jackelyn, pleaded not guilty, Jonatan Nanita did not enter pleas, and all three cases were continued to December.
• Karla Garcia and former boyfriend Jonatan Nanita face murder with special circumstances and related counts, while Jackelyn Garcia faces child-cruelty, unlawful restraint and risk-of-injury charges, with bonds set at $5 million for Garcia and Nanita and $1 million for Jackelyn.
• Investigators say the child was severely malnourished at about 26–27 pounds, was denied food for two weeks before her death, and was often restrained with zip ties.
• Police believe she died roughly a year before her remains were found Oct. 8 in a tote at a condemned New Britain property after being kept in a Farmington basement, and the case has prompted a review by the state child welfare agency following a January video call with an impersonator.