The father and stepmother accused in the torture and killing of 8-year-old Genesis Mata will face trial after a judge ruled Wednesday there was sufficient evidence on all seven counts against them.
Ray Mata and Graciela Bustamante are charged in the child’s death following what investigators described as months of horrific abuse. During the preliminary hearing, a sexual assault response team nurse testified that Genesis showed signs of chronic abuse and sexual assault, according to Bakersfield Police Detective Charles Jordan.
On the second day of testimony, investigators detailed the evidence collected throughout the case — including interviews, reports, and examinations of both Genesis and her 11-year-old brother, identified in court as “J Doe.” Detective Jordan testified that J Doe told forensic interviewers his stepmother, Bustamante, burned him with a hair straightener, poured boiling water on both him and Genesis, and forced Genesis to hide in a closet. J Doe also said his father, Mata, struck him with a cord on multiple occasions…