Mother, aunt arrested after 12-year-old girl’s remains were found inside container, police say

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - Three people, including the mother and aunt of a 12-year-old girl, have been arrested after the child’s remains were found inside a container near an abandoned home, according to authorities.

City officials announced the girl’s mother, 29-year-old Karla Garcia, and the mother’s sister, 28-year-old Jackelyn Garcia, have been arrested in the death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres.

Karla Garcia was arrested Sunday night and charged with murder and child cruelty, among other charges, while her sister has been charged with risk of injury to a child and child cruelty.

An arrest warrant for murder and tampering with evidence was also out for Karla Garcia’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Jonatan Nanita. New Britain police said he was taken into custody Monday evening.

The discovery of Mimi’s remains was made near an abandoned home on Clark Street on Oct 8. Her remains were found in a container in the backyard.

Victor Torres, Mimi’s father, and Frances Melendez, the girl’s stepmother, told WFSB that they learned of her death from police on Thursday.

Torres said that he had not seen or spoken to his daughter since before her 12th birthday, which was Jan. 29.

He said the 12-year-old was living with her mother, who had custody. He believes that she has been missing since January or potentially earlier. He said he hadn’t been able to get in touch with her for months.

New Britain police say they believe Mimi died in the fall of 2024 while she and her family were living in Farmington. Investigators say the girl’s body was likely kept in the basement of their Farmington home until they moved to New Britain in March 2025.

Police believe the 12-year-old suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment during her life.

An autopsy is being conducted to learn the cause and manner of death.

Karla Garcia is being held on a $5 million bond. Jackelyn Garcia is being held on a $1 million bond.