Warning: Distressing content. A couple have been accused of torturing and killing their little girl who was found dead in a hotel bathtub. Her family claim there were missed chances to save her
A couple have been accused of torturing and killing their “beautiful” little girl who was found dead in a hotel bathtub.
Genesis Ariah Mata, 8, was found dead in a hotel room in Bakersfield, California, with “substantial” trauma to her body and horrific injuries, allegedly caused by her father, 31-year-old Ray Mata Jr, and her stepmother, 27-year-old Graciela Bustamonte.
The couple have been charged with first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child, and torture after authorities made the tragic discovery on August 2, PEOPLE reports. They have both pleaded not guilty.
According to a probably cause document, seen by local media, Mata and Bustamonte poured boiling hot water on the little girl, causing severe burns. The records also allege that the couple repeatedly slammed the Genesis’ fingers in a door frame, crushing her hand and resulting in her fingernails separating from the nail beds.
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A police officer who responded to the scene said the eight-year-old had extensive physical injuries, including huge blisters and burns all over her body and face, and splitting skin. The official stated that it seemed as if the girl had been whipped numerous times, according to Fox 10.
According to local reports, Mata and Bustamonte both blamed each other for the little girl’s death. But they both allegedly admitted to police that they participated in the abuse.
Stepmother Bustamonte allegedly told police that the eight-year-old died on Friday night, a full day before 911 was called. According to documents, she allegedly told copy that she saw her partner Mata punching and suffocating Genesis and that he had beaten his children for years. The alleged abuse involved hangers, wires and a charging cord, Fox 10 reports.
The 27-year-old woman allegedly admitted it was her idea to pour scalding hot water on her stepdaughter to make her “listen” better, according to reports. The documents also are said to show that Bustamonte admitted she participated in the acts that led to Genesis’ death.
Since the tragedy, Genesis’ family have called out the CPS for not doing more to help the little girl, who endured unthinkable suffering.
Speaking outside court where, Genesis’ cousin Sabrina Guerrero told KBAK that CPS had been contacted “at least 20” times about Mata’s alleged abuse.
School staff also allegedly reported that Mata’s children were missing school and appearing with visible bruises on their bodies.
“It’s a sad situation, and CPS needs to be held accountable for everything,” she said. The CPS have not yet commented on the claims.
A fundraiser set up by Genesis’ family describes the little girl as a “beautiful spirit” who was “full of life” and “loved anything that sparkled”.
“Her life was stolen far too soon,” her distraught cousin Sabrina wrote.
