Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamante, a California dad and stepmom, have reportedly been charged. This, after Mata Jr.’s 8-year-old daughter, Genesis Ariah Mata, was found deceased in a hotel bathtub with a crushed hand and blisters.
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More Details On Genesis Ariah Mata Reportedly Being Found Deceased In Hotel Bathtub With Crushed Hand & Blisters
According to 23ABC News Bakersfield, on Saturday, August 2, Bakersfield police officers arrived at the La Quinta Inn. The hotel was reportedly located on Riverside Drive, and officers arrived for a welfare check. When they arrived at the family’s room, Genesis was reportedly found abandoned and deceased in the bathtub.
Furthermore, Assistant Police Chief Brent Stratton explained that the injuries the 8-year-old was found with were “significant… traumatic, and… among some of the worst that our investigators have ever seen…”
Per KBAK, it is believed the parents worked “in tandem” over two days, pouring scalding hot water on the child, whipping her repeatedly, and even crushing her hand in a door. Furthermore, authorities noted that the alleged actions caused “ripping” Genesis’ skin, left “massive blisters and extensive burns all over her body,” and even caused her fingernails to separate from her hand.
More Details On The Charges Against Ray Mata Jr. And Graciela Bustamant For Their Actions Against The 8-Year-Old Daughter
According to KBAK, Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamante were subsequently arrested. Furthermore, they were reportedly charged with first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child, and torture. On Tuesday, August 5, the outlet reports that the pair appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Per KBAK, Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamante are being held without bond and will appear in court again on August 14. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign had been launched for “help from the community to lay Genesis to rest.” However, at this time, it appears the campaign has ceased donation receptions.
To note, 23ABC News Bakersfield reports that Genesis’ mother, Isabel Basurto, last spoke with her on Saturday.
“She wasn’t well. She was crying, sad, because she had fought with Ray,” she reportedly explained.
Per PEOPLE, Ray Mata Jr. reportedly had a history of active cases with Child Protective Services.
“I had to actually hold myself back, Genesis’ cousin Sabrina Guerrero told reporters. “The system failed my little cousin — big time.”
In Addition To California Dad & Stepmom, Another Set Of Parents In Texas Have Been Charged After Their Child’s Death
In addition to Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamante, another couple has also found themselves facing charges for their child’s passing. As The Shade Room previously reported, in June, Jeremy Fancher and Destiny Campos were taken into custody. This was sparked by their 4-month-old daughter being discovered deceased in a drawer at a Texas motel.
Furthermore, the parents reportedly placed the infant in the drawer due to her “screams.” Ultimately, both parents were charged with murder.
