An 11-year-old girl, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia, died after prolonged neglect in New Britain. An autopsy found severe malnutrition, with almost no body fat. The medical examiner reported only a single blueberry in her stomach at the time of death.
According to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the child died from fatal abuse linked to starvation. Tests also found substances she had not been prescribed. Her condition showed advanced muscle loss and extreme weakness.
The girl’s mother and her former boyfriend have been charged with murder and multiple related offenses. Prosecutors allege the child was denied food and basic care for weeks before her death. Both face court proceedings; pleas are pending or denied.
Authorities say the child was homeschooled, limiting outside oversight. Investigators allege false assurances were given to child welfare officials after the girl had already died. The lack of regular school contact made welfare checks harder.
The case has prompted public outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection safeguards in Connecticut. The child’s father says he learned of her death from police and plans legal action, arguing that warning signs were missed.