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A judge maintained Karla Garcia's bail at $5 million during a
brief court appearance Tuesday where she sobbed as prosecutors
spoke of the charges against her. The 29-year-old New Britain
woman faces numerous counts including murder with special
circumstances and conspiracy. She did not enter a plea during
the hearing, where she was represented by a public defender.
The counts stem from the death of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres
Garcia, who authorities say suffered “prolonged physical abuse
and malnourishment” before she was killed last fall. Police
found her remains Wednesday in a container behind an abandoned
home after they responded to reports of suspicious activity at
the residence.
Karla Garcia and her 28-year-old sister, Jackelyn Garcia of New
Britain, were both arrested Sunday. Karla Garcia's boyfriend,
30-year-old Jonatan Nanita — who authorities believe was the
person seen dropping off several items and a large storage bin
at the home which spurred the 911 call last week — was captured
Monday night.
Nanita faces numerous counts including murder with special
circumstances and conspiracy, while Jackelyn Garcia is charged
with unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a minor and
intentional cruelty to a person under 19 years old. Her bail was
maintained at $1 million during a brief court appearance Tuesday
with her sister while Nanita's bail was set at $5 million.
Neither he nor Jackelyn Garcia entered a plea during the
hearing.
The next court appearances for all three defendants were
scheduled for Nov. 14.
Speaking Monday at a news conference, New Britain Police Chief
Matt Marino said officers found the child's remains in an
“advanced state of decomposition.” Authorities are still working
to determine when and where she died, but they say she may have
been dead since last fall 2024 while her family was living in
the nearby town of Farmington.
Investigators believe Jacqueline’s body was kept in the family’s
basement before they relocated to New Britain, Farmington Police
Chief Paul Melanson said.
Further details about the case have not been disclosed due to
the ongoing investigation, which Marino said could take months
to complete.
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