Estate of Jacqueline ‘Mimi’ Torres Seeks $100M Lawsuit Against DCF

UPDATE: The estate of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres has just filed paperwork seeking a staggering $100 million lawsuit against the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) connected to her tragic death and her sister’s alleged abuse. This action was filed on Thursday with the Office of the Claims Commissioner, marking a critical step in holding DCF accountable.

The lawsuit claims $75 million for the circumstances surrounding Jacqueline’s death and an additional $25 million for the alleged abuse endured by her younger sister. The estate’s attorney, Timothy O’Keefe, representing Jacqueline’s father, Victor Torres, alleges the agency was negligent and failed to protect the children involved.

In a statement, Ken Mysogland, bureau chief of external affairs at DCF, confirmed they had not yet received the claim but stated, “When it is received, we will assess it to determine the most appropriate course of action.”

The case has drawn public outrage after investigators discovered Jacqueline’s remains in an advanced state of decomposition in a storage tote outside an abandoned home on Clark Street in New Britain in October 2024. Authorities believe Jonatan Nanita, Jacqueline’s mother’s boyfriend, disposed of her body following her death, which is thought to have occurred while the family was living in Farmington.

Jacqueline’s mother, Karla Garcia, and Nanita face multiple charges, including murder, related to the girl’s death. Additionally, Jackelyn Garcia, Karla’s sister, is charged with child endangerment and other offenses associated with Jacqueline’s abuse. Disturbing details from police interviews reveal that Jacqueline was allegedly kept zip-tied in a corner without food or bathroom breaks. Authorities report that she was severely malnourished, weighing only 27 pounds at the time of discovery, with the medical examiner ruling her death as homicide due to fatal child abuse with starvation.

The DCF had previous interactions with the family, first becoming involved when Karla gave birth to Jacqueline while incarcerated in January 2013. Jacqueline lived with her paternal grandmother until 2022, when custody was granted to Karla Garcia. Following a series of custody disputes, Jacqueline was allegedly subjected to neglect and abuse leading up to her death.

The heart-wrenching case has raised critical questions regarding DCF’s oversight and involvement with the family. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public is urged to monitor this urgent situation closely. The criminal cases against Karla Garcia, Nanita, and Jackelyn Garcia remain pending in Superior Court in Torrington, with all three suspects currently in custody.

The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond the Torres family, highlighting systemic issues within child welfare services. As more details emerge, the estate’s pursuit of justice serves as a rallying cry for accountability in protecting vulnerable children.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to unfold.