A California father and his 27-year-old wife are facing serious charges after being accused of torturing their 8-year-old daughter to death. Ray Mata Jr., 31, and Graciela Bustamonte have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the tragic death of their daughter, Genesis A. Mata.
Details of the Tragic Incident
On Saturday, around 5:37 p.m., Bakersfield police responded to a call from a local hotel, the La Quinta Inn, where a child was reported to be unresponsive in a bathtub. The caller told authorities they heard from someone else that the child might be in danger.
When officers arrived, they forced their way into the locked bathroom and found the 8-year-old girl, later identified as Genesis, unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Genesis had suffered clear signs of severe trauma, including burns and injuries that led to her death.
The Alleged Abuse
A probable cause affidavit revealed the details of the abuse Genesis allegedly endured at the hands of her father and stepmother. Over two days, Mata and Bustamonte allegedly tortured Genesis by pouring hot water on her skin, causing severe burns. They also reportedly crushed her hands, resulting in the loss of her fingernails.
The police described the case as one of the most heartbreaking they’ve encountered, with Bakersfield Police Assistance Chief Brent Stratton calling it “one of the most significant cases” of trauma to a child.
Admissions and Arrests
The investigation led to the arrests of Mata and Bustamonte on Sunday. In court, both pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder and torture.
Police said that during questioning, Mata admitted to punching Genesis in the stomach, which caused her to lose consciousness and eventually die. Bustamonte also allegedly confessed to participating in the abuse.
Family’s Distress and CPS Involvement
Genesis’ cousin, Sabrina Guerrero, attended the court hearings and shared that multiple family members had previously reported the abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS). Guerrero said that “big signs” of abuse were ignored, adding that the system “failed” her cousin.
A GoFundMe page set up by Genesis’ family described her as a vibrant child who “loved anything that sparkled” and had a “beautiful spirit.” The page has raised nearly $4,000 of its $20,000 goal by Wednesday afternoon.
Current Status of the Accused
Mata and Bustamonte are currently being held in the Kern County Jail without bond. They are scheduled to appear in court again on August 14 for a pre-preliminary hearing.
This tragic case has shocked the Bakersfield community, highlighting the horrors of child abuse and neglect. Genesis’ family is still mourning the loss of their “full of life” cousin, and many are calling for justice to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
