A California father and stepmother are facing horrific accusations after police say they tortured and killed his 8-year-old daughter in a Bakersfield hotel bathroom.
Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamonte have been charged with first-degree murder, child cruelty, and torture after the body of young Genesis Ariah Mata was found in a hotel bathtub on Saturday, Aug. 2. According to police, Genesis had been brutally abused — burned with scalding water, beaten, whipped, and even had her fingers repeatedly slammed in a door frame, causing her fingernails to separate. Investigators say her body was covered in massive burns and blisters, including on her face.
Court documents reveal both Mata and Bustamonte admitted to taking part in the abuse, though they blamed each other for the fatal attack. Bustamonte allegedly told police that Genesis died Friday night — a full day before 911 was called — and claimed she saw Mata punching and suffocating the child. She also allegedly confessed that pouring boiling water on Genesis was her idea, saying it was meant to make the girl “listen” better.
Mata reportedly had an active case with Child Protective Services at the time, and Genesis’ family members say they had contacted CPS “at least 20” times to report suspected abuse. “It’s a sad situation, and CPS needs to be held accountable for everything,” the victim’s cousin Sabrina Guerrero told reporters outside the courthouse.
Family members describe Genesis as a little girl full of joy and love. “She was full of life, had a beautiful spirit, and loved anything that sparkled,” cousin Sophia Hernandez wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for funeral costs. “Her life was stolen far too soon.”
