The estate of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia is gearing up to bring a $100 million wrongful death claim against the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). People across the state—residents, advocates, legal experts—are already paying close attention.
This case centers in New Britain, but honestly, its impact reaches from Hartford to New Haven. It’s forcing some tough questions about Connecticut’s child protection system and how it handles warning signs for vulnerable kids.
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Estate of Mimi Torres-Garcia Plans $100 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Mimi’s estate’s legal team has filed formal notice of their intent to sue the State of Connecticut. That’s the first step before a big claim like this can go anywhere.
The lawsuit is expected to demand a staggering $100 million in damages. It’s hard not to feel the weight of those allegations, considering the tragedy of a 2-year-old’s death.
The proposed claim breaks down into two pieces:
For families from Bridgeport to Waterbury who’ve tangled with DCF, this case is probably going to become a touchstone. It’s bound to fuel the debate about how the agency works and what happens when a child dies under its watch.
Grim Discovery Behind an Abandoned Building in New Britain
About two months ago, someone found Mimi’s body in a tote behind an abandoned building in New Britain. The discovery set off a wave of public outrage and sorrow all over Connecticut.
Police and medical examiners jumped into the investigation right away. The exact spot where Mimi was found quickly became a key detail in how the legal process would play out.
No one’s really sure where she officially lived at the time of her death. But a probate judge decided New Britain holds jurisdiction because that’s where her body was discovered.
That ruling anchors the probate proceedings in New Britain, even as state-level actions move through Hartford agencies and commissions.
Family, Probate Court, and the Question of Legal Authority
During the first probate court session, Mimi’s biological father, Victor Torres, showed up with the estate’s legal team. These New Britain hearings don’t focus on criminal guilt but on who gets to manage Mimi’s estate and bring claims for her.
The court appointed a temporary administrator for the estate. That person will coordinate with attorneys, gather records, and represent the estate’s interests while everyone figures out if the lawsuit can move forward.
Mother, Aunt, and Ex-Boyfriend Facing Murder Charges
On the criminal side, Mimi’s mother, Karla Garcia, had custody at the time of her death and now faces a murder charge. Karla’s sister, Jackelyn Garcia, and her ex-boyfriend, Jonatan Nanita, are also charged.
Their cases will wind through the criminal courts, separate from the estate’s wrongful death claim. Residents in places like Hartford, Meriden, and Manchester have been following these developments closely.
Details from court documents keep shaping public opinion about whether DCF or other agencies could have stepped in sooner. It’s hard not to wonder what might have changed if someone had acted differently.
DCF, the Claims Commission, and the Road to a Lawsuit
Because DCF is a state agency, the estate can’t just file a wrongful death lawsuit in Superior Court. Connecticut law says claims for money damages against the state have to go through the Office of the Claims Commissioner first.
The next step is all about whether the state’s Claims Commission thinks the case has enough merit. If the commissioner gives the green light, the estate can formally pursue its wrongful death action against the State of Connecticut.
DCF Responds to Potential Litigation
Ken Mysogland, DCF’s Bureau Chief of External Affairs, said the department hadn’t been formally notified of the claim when he spoke. He pointed out there’s an early procedural gap between the estate’s notice of intent and the agency getting officially involved.
Advocates in cities like Stamford, Norwalk, and New Haven are watching closely. They’re wondering if DCF followed its own policies and whether anyone missed warning signs that might have contributed to Mimi’s death.
Here is the source article for this story: Estate of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia Plans $100 Million Lawsuit Against DCF
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