Father, stepmother charged after 8-year-old girl found dead in hotel bathtub

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK) - Court documents have revealed gruesome details about the death of an 8-year-old girl found in a hotel bathtub. Her father and stepmother are facing charges, including murder and torture.

WARNING: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers.

Authorities say 8-year-old Genesis Ariah Mata was found dead Saturday in the bathtub of a room at a La Quinta Inn in Bakersfield. There was substantial trauma to her body, injuries that were allegedly caused by her father, 31-year-old Ray Mata Jr., and her stepmother, 27-year-old Graciela Bustamonte.

Mata and Bustamonte are facing charges in relation to Genesis’ death, including first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child and torture. They have both pleaded not guilty.

According to a probable cause document, Mata and Bustamonte poured scalding hot water on Genesis, causing severe burns. Documents also allege the two had crushed the 8-year-old’s hand, causing her fingernails to separate from the nail beds.

One officer who responded to the scene said Genesis had extensive physical injuries, including splitting skin, massive blisters and burns all over her body, including her face. The officer said it seemed as if she had been whipped multiple times.

In a police interview, Bustamonte alleged Genesis was killed Friday evening, the day before 911 was called. She claims she witnessed Mata punching and suffocating his daughter before she died.

She told police Mata was an abusive person, both physically and verbally, and had been beating his children for years. She claimed the beatings were done with a charging cord, wires and hangers.

The documents said Bustamonte admitted she participated in the acts that led to Genesis’ death.

When officers interviewed Mata, he said most of the abuse was done by Bustamonte, claiming it was her idea to pour hot water on Genesis so she could “listen.” But he did allegedly admit to punching the 8-year-old in the stomach, causing her to lose consciousness and die.

He also allegedly admitted to beating his children, causing injuries, but claims he did not burn Genesis or rip her fingernails.

The report revealed that Mata had an active case with Child Protective Services. School staff reported his children were missing school and appearing with visible bruises on their bodies.

Mata and Bustamonte are both being held without bond and are scheduled to return to court later this month.