Additional Coverage:
- Father and stepmother blame each other for death of 8-year-old girl found in hotel bathtub (themirror.com)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A father and stepmother are facing murder and torture charges following the death of their 8-year-old daughter, Genesis Ariah Mata. The young girl was found deceased in a bathtub at a La Quinta Inn on Saturday, August 2nd. Police reports indicate the child suffered extensive injuries, including burns and blisters, consistent with prolonged abuse.
Both Ray Mata Jr., 31, and Graciela Bustamonte, 27, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child, and torture. Each parent has reportedly blamed the other for Genesis’s death.
Mr. Mata claims the child died Friday night, but authorities were not notified until the following day.
Ms. Bustamonte reportedly detailed to police years of abuse by Mr.
Mata, alleging he repeatedly beat, punched, and suffocated Genesis. She also admitted to devising a plan to use hot water on the child to improve her “listening.”
Family members are demanding accountability from Child Protective Services (CPS), claiming multiple reports of abuse were made to the agency. Genesis’s cousin, Sabrina Guerrero, stated she contacted CPS “at least 20 times” regarding the alleged abuse.
“It’s a sad situation,” Ms. Guerrero said, “and CPS needs to be held accountable.”
CPS has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Genesis’s extended family remembers her as a “beautiful spirit.” Ms. Guerrero has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses.