Investigators say a 12-year-old girl whose body was discovered last week in a plastic container behind an abandoned home in New Britain may have been dead for nearly a year before her remains were found.
Authorities identified the victim as Jacqueline Torres of Farmington. Police now believe she was killed in the fall of 2024 and that her death was never reported to authorities.
Detectives allege that Jacqueline’s body was kept concealed in a plastic storage container in the basement of the family’s former home in Farmington. When the family later moved to New Britain, investigators say the remains were relocated and eventually dumped behind a vacant property.
Following an intensive investigation, police arrested three family members: Karla Garcia, Jacqueline’s mother; Jonatan Nanita, Garcia’s boyfriend; and Jackelyn Garcia, Jacqueline’s aunt.
According to police, Karla Garcia and Jonatan Nanita each face charges of murder, cruelty to persons, and tampering with evidence. Jackelyn Garcia has been charged with child cruelty, unlawful restraint, and risk of injury to a minor.
Officials have not released details about how Jacqueline died, but investigators described the case as “deeply disturbing” and said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The discovery has left the New Britain and Farmington communities shaken, with neighbors expressing disbelief that a child could go missing for so long without being reported.
Police are urging anyone with information about the family’s activities over the past year to contact the Farmington Police Department or New Britain detectives.