Ride to take place to honor murdered 12-year-old girl

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A story that has captured the attention of our viewers here in western Massachusetts. A 12-year-old Connecticut girl murdered, and family members are charged with her death. We are learning more how our community is honoring the young victim.

West Street in Springfield is where a ride out is taking place this Saturday. Organizers sharing the event on Facebook in hopes to fill the streets with cars and motorcycles, then drive as a group down to New Britain, Connecticut where the body of 12-year-old Jacqueline Torres was found dead in a storage container.

According to Connecticut police, Torres, also known as Mimi, was murdered in Farmington last fall. They say her body was kept in a plastic container for a full year before being dumped behind an abandoned house in New Britain just last week.

Police said they believe the girl suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment before her death. Police also claiming that the three people responsible for this unthinkable crime included the girl’s mother, Karla Garcia, and her aunt, Jackelyn Garcia. The third suspect is Jonathan Nanita, who police say was Karla Garcia’s boyfriend.

Monday, all three suspects appeared in court. Chief Paul Melanson of the Farmington Police Department shared with the public the progress that has been made in the case thus far. “This is a deeply heartbreaking and disturbing case. Our detectives along with local and state partners have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice for Jacqueline. No child should ever have to endure such suffering.” The chief shared.

Both Karla Garcia and Nanita had their bonds set at $5 million, while Jackelyn Garcia’s bond was set at $1 million. The Garcia sisters are due back in court on Nov. 14. The Department of Children and Families also confirmed that Jacqueline’s siblings are safe and in their custody.

Torres’s devastating story touching the hearts of communities all the way here in western Massachusetts. This Saturday, folks will be meeting at 77 West Street before driving 40 miles to where Mimi was tragically found.

A Facebook post in community forums reads in part: “Let’s ride out to New Britain and show support to this family all the way from MA! We will be driving out to where Mimi was found. Bring candles, balloons, stuffed animals... anything you’d like to place in honor of Mimi.”