Estate of Jacqueline Torres Seeks $100M Lawsuit Against DCF

UPDATE: The estate of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres has just filed paperwork to sue the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) for a staggering $100 million following her tragic death and alleged abuse endured by her sister. This urgent claim was submitted Thursday to the Office of the Claims Commissioner, marking a critical step towards formal litigation against DCF.

The lawsuit seeks $75 million related to Jacqueline’s death and $25 million for the abuse her younger sister allegedly suffered. The claim accuses DCF of negligence, asserting that the agency failed to protect the children despite previous interactions with the family. “We have not yet been formally notified of the claim and when it is received, we will assess it to determine the most appropriate course of action,” stated Ken Mysogland, bureau chief of external affairs at DCF.

The horror surrounding Jacqueline’s case deepens as her remains were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition in a storage tote outside an abandoned home on Clark Street in New Britain in October 2024. Investigators allege that 30-year-old Jonatan Nanita disposed of the tote after Jacqueline died, reportedly from severe malnourishment and fatal child abuse.

Jacqueline’s mother, 29-year-old Karla Garcia, along with Nanita, faces murder charges in connection with her death. Furthermore, 28-year-old Jackelyn Garcia, Karla’s sister, is charged with child endangerment related to the abuse Jacqueline allegedly experienced. Disturbing details have emerged from arrest warrants indicating that Jacqueline was often restrained and deprived of basic needs, leading to her tragic demise.

Court documents reveal that Jacqueline’s remains weighed only 27 pounds at the time of discovery. Medical examiners confirmed her death was ruled a homicide due to “fatal child abuse with starvation.” The family’s history with DCF dates back to January 2013, when Karla gave birth to Jacqueline while incarcerated. DCF’s involvement continued over the years, with multiple interactions reported, yet the agency closed cases citing the children’s safety.

The timeline of custody battles reveals a troubling sequence of events. Karla was granted custody of Jacqueline in 2022, and just months before her death, DCF closed a case after being misled into believing Jacqueline was alive during a video call with someone posing as her daughter.

As the criminal proceedings against Karla Garcia, Jonatan Nanita, and Jackelyn Garcia continue in Superior Court in Torrington, the emotional impact of this case is felt deeply within the community. The tragic loss of Jacqueline has raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of child protective services, sparking a demand for accountability and reform.

What happens next? With the claim filed against DCF, the agency’s response will be pivotal in determining the future legal landscape. The public awaits further developments as this heart-wrenching case unfolds, highlighting the dire need for vigilance in child welfare cases.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Share this urgent information to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding child protection and the tragic consequences of systemic failures.