Karla Garcia and Jonatan Nanita face murder charges for the death of Garcia’s 12-year-old daughter, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, alongside SNAP benefits fraud allegations after concealing her death. The child endured prolonged abuse and starvation in Farmington, Connecticut, before her body was hidden in a 40-gallon tote. Authorities discovered the fraud when Garcia renewed benefits listing Jacqueline as alive in 2025, despite her death around September 2024.​
Abuse Details
Jacqueline weighed 26-27 pounds at discovery, with skin “glued to the bones” from malnutrition, not decomposition; she was folded tightly in the tote. Garcia claimed Nanita moved the body to the basement after she stopped breathing, while Nanita allegedly kicked her head during an argument. The couple relocated to New Britain, attempted to hide the tote in a cemetery, then abandoned it at a house, with homeschooling delaying notice of her absence.​
SNAP Fraud Charges
Garcia submitted renewals in January and August 2025 for herself and five children, omitting Jacqueline’s death and Nanita’s residency, reducing her eligibility. Nanita claimed homelessness from October 2024 to 2025 while living with Garcia and receiving benefits. Both signed forms warning of up to $250,000 fines and 20 years imprisonment for false statements; Garcia faces conspiracy to larceny, Nanita larceny charges.​
Family Involvement
Garcia’s sister, Jackelyn Garcia, faces child cruelty, unlawful restraint, and risk of injury charges for witnessing and photographing Jacqueline zip-tied, malnourished on dog pads. Jackelyn admitted seeing abuse like food deprivation but denied direct involvement in the death. She noted the tote’s smell forced the couple to hotels and friends.
