More than two weeks after 8-year-old Genesis Mata was found dead and abandoned in a Bakersfield hotel, her stepmother — Graciela Bustamante — is claiming she was not involved in the child’s death or abuse. However, police reports show statements that contradict her.
Ray Mata and Bustamante have been charged with murder, torture and child abuse in connection with the girl’s death.
In and exclusive interview, Bustamante claimed she never harmed the children in the couple’s care. She claimed she only took the blame because Mata told her to. “I regret even accepting stuff that he’s told me to take,” she said. But police reports say Mata told investigators Bustamante had hit the children with cords or hangers…