Family members say New Britain remains are 12-year-old girl

NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) – A neighborhood in New Britain on Friday continued to seek answers after the remains of a girl were discovered.

Family members identified the girl as 12-year-old Jacqueline Torres, whom went by the nickname “Mimi.”

The discovery was made near an abandoned home on Clark Street on Wednesday.

New Britain officials confirmed on Friday morning that the remains belonged to an adolescent female.

Police have not yet publicly identified the remains.

However, both Victor Torres, Jacqueline’s father, and Frances Melendez, the girl’s stepmother, told Channel 3 that they learned of the identity from police on Thursday.

Torres claimed that he had not seen or spoken to his daughter since before her 12th birthday, which was Jan. 29. He said Jacqueline was living with her mother, who had custody.

He believes that she had been missing since January or potentially earlier. He said he hadn’t been able to get in touch with her for months and she had not been reported missing.

Multiple members of Jacqueline Torres’ family told Channel 3 they believe she was the victim of shocking violence.

The medical examiner’s office says Jacqueline’s autopsy results are pending further studies. Additional lab tests may be needed, prolonging an official cause of Jacqueline’s death.

A memorial was set up at the scene. It included dozens of candles and balloons outside of the home.

“This was a small child,” said Juanita Ruiz, New Britain. “You don’t do that to a child that’s coming into this life and learning. Who knows if they were going to be a lawyer, the president. You don’t know what this child had in mind. Why take her life away like that? And then throw her away like you’re garbage. You’re not worth a dime. No, you don’t do that to a human being.”

“It’s heartbreaking. It’s a little girl. She didn’t deserve that. It hit close to home,” said Liza Soto, New Britian. “I had to come down and show respects. I had to. It was just something I had to do.”

“It’s kind of scary to think that there was human remains right across the street from where me and my kids live,” said Shannon Leary, New Britain.

Police have been tight-lipped with information. They have not offered many details, including if an arrest was made.

Police say they are now working with other local law enforcement in central Connecticut.

Farmington police said that they are working in collaboration with New Britain police on the investigation.

The remains were found in a container in the backyard. While the house was vacant for years, neighbors told Channel 3 that people squatted in it.

The Department of Children and Families declined to comment on if they had an open case with Jacqueline’s family.

The Consolidated School District of New Britain released a statement.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.