A California couple has been charged in connection with the torture and death of the man’s 8-year-old daughter in a hotel bathroom over the weekend, according to new reports.
Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamonte face first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child, and torture charges after authorities found Genesis Ariah Mata deceased in a hotel bathtub on Saturday, Aug. 2, in Bakersfield, Calif., as reported by Fox 10, KBTX, and KBAK.
According to probable cause documents cited by these outlets, the girl was subjected to severe abuse, including being burned with hot water, beaten, and whipped. The documents also allege that the couple repeatedly slammed Genesis’ fingers in a door frame, crushing her hand and causing her fingernails to detach. Police report that Genesis was found with extensive blisters and burns across her body and face, as stated by Fox 10.
Both Mata, the victim’s father, and Bustamonte, her stepmother, have pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the sources.
Reports indicate that Mata and Bustamonte blamed each other for Genesis’ death, but both admitted involvement in the abuse to authorities, according to the documents.
Bustamonte reportedly told police that Genesis died on Friday night, a day before 911 was called. She also stated she witnessed Mata punching and suffocating the child and claimed he had a history of abusing his children, according to the documents. Additionally, Bustamonte allegedly admitted that she poured scalding hot water on Genesis in an attempt to make her “listen” better, as outlined in the police reports.
Mata had an active case with the state’s Child Protective Services (CPS), an agency that has faced criticism from Genesis’ family members following her death, as noted by Fox 10.
Outside the courthouse during the couple’s initial appearance, the victim’s cousin Sabrina Guerrero told KBAK that CPS had been contacted “at least 20” times regarding Mata’s alleged abuse.
“It’s a sad situation, and CPS needs to be held accountable for everything,” Guerrero said. A spokesperson for California CPS did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Meanwhile, Genesis’ family is honoring her memory as a girl with a “beautiful spirit” who was “tragically taken from us.”
“She was full of life, had a beautiful spirit, and loved anything that sparkled,” wrote Genesis’ cousin Sophia Hernandez on a GoFundMe page created to help cover funeral expenses. “Her life was stolen far too soon.”
