A horrific case of child abuse in Connecticut has exposed the deadly consequences of government agencies failing to protect the most vulnerable, as 11-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres Garcia was starved to death by her own family members who then concealed her body for nearly a year.
Story Highlights
- Jacqueline Torres Garcia was allegedly starved and zip-tied by her mother, aunt, and mother’s boyfriend before dying in fall 2024
- Family members concealed her death for nearly a year, lying to authorities and pretending she was still alive
- Her remains were discovered in October 2025 in a plastic storage bin behind a vacant New Britain home
- Three adults now face murder and abuse charges as the community demands justice and child welfare reform
Systematic Failure Leads to Tragic Death
Jacqueline Torres Garcia suffered unimaginable abuse in her Farmington home, where she lived with her mother Karla Garcia, aunt Jackelyn Garcia, and her mother’s boyfriend Jonatan Nanita.
The medical examiner determined that fatal child abuse and starvation caused her death in fall 2024. This case represents a catastrophic breakdown of the child protection system that should safeguard innocent children from predatory adults, even when those adults are family members.
Deliberate Cover-Up Exposed Through Investigation
The three adults engaged in an elaborate deception to conceal Jacqueline’s death from authorities for nearly a year. Police interviews conducted between October 9-11, 2025, revealed conflicting stories from family members who had been actively misleading law enforcement.
The discovery of her remains in a plastic storage bin behind a vacant New Britain home on October 8, 2025, finally exposed their heinous crimes and triggered immediate arrests.
Community Outrage Demands Justice and Reform
The paternal grandparents, Patricia and Felix Osorio Delgado, are now leading efforts to secure justice for Jacqueline while advocating for her memory. Community members held a memorial service on October 14, 2025, and are calling for the demolition of the house where she was found to build a memorial park.
This grassroots response demonstrates how ordinary Americans step up when government systems fail to protect children from horrific abuse.
Legal Proceedings Move Forward
Karla Garcia, Jackelyn Garcia, and Jonatan Nanita now face serious murder and abuse charges in Torrington, Connecticut courts. The strength of the forensic evidence, including the medical examiner’s findings and police bodycam footage, provides a solid foundation for prosecution.
This case underscores the importance of thorough criminal justice processes in holding child abusers accountable while highlighting the urgent need for stronger child welfare oversight to prevent similar tragedies.
Sources:
Warrants reveal more about death of 11-year-old Mimi and what her mom told police
