Bakersfield, CA – A horrifying discovery inside a Bakersfield hotel has led to the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of murder, torture, and child abuse after police found the body of an 8-year-old girl with “substantial trauma” left in a bathtub.
Disturbing Discovery at Local Hotel
At approximately 5:37 p.m. on Saturday, officers from the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a La Quinta Inn on Riverside Drive, east of Buck Owens Boulevard, after receiving a report that a child may be unconscious and not breathing in one of the rooms’ bathtubs. The caller had heard about the situation secondhand.
When officers arrived, they located the room, knocked on the bathroom door, and, receiving no response, forced entry. Inside, they found the lifeless body of the young girl abandoned in the bathtub.
“The child exhibited substantial trauma,” police said in a statement, though no further public details have been released regarding the nature or cause of the injuries.
Suspects Arrested and Held Without Bail
The investigation quickly led authorities to two suspects:
- Ray Mata Jr., 31, of Bakersfield
- Graciela Bustamonte, 27, of Delano
Both were arrested on Sunday morning and are now facing charges of murder, torture, and multiple counts of child abuse. According to Kern County booking records, neither suspect was granted bail.
Court History and Scheduled Appearance
Court documents show Mata has a criminal history, including prior gun and drug convictions. Just last month, he pleaded no contest to two separate charges:
- Carrying a loaded firearm without registration and altering a serial number
- Possession of marijuana for sale
There are no prior cases listed against Bustamonte, according to public records. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday to face formal charges.
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Community Urged to Report Child Abuse
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Bakersfield Police at 661-327-7111.
In light of the shocking crime, officials are reminding the public to report any signs of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call:
- Kern County Child Abuse Hotline at 661-631-6011
- Or the California Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-540-4000
Support services for victims are also available through The Open Door Network, which can be reached at 661-322-9199.
This tragic case has left the Bakersfield community in mourning and disbelief. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the incident, and more details may be revealed following Tuesday’s court proceedings.
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