Two individuals have been apprehended by law enforcement in relation to the tragic demise of an 8-year-old girl in a hotel room in Bakersfield’s central area. The shocking event occurred at the Lita Inn on Riverside Drive on a recent Saturday evening.
Around 5:30 p.m., the Bakersfield police received a call about a potential fatality at the hotel, based on indirect information. Upon arrival, officers found the bathroom door of the designated room locked. After forcing entry, they discovered the young girl’s body in the bathtub, exhibiting signs of significant trauma.
The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) promptly activated its crime scene and detective units to probe the case. Their investigation led them to two individuals, Ray Ma Jr., 31, a Bakersfield resident, and Graciella Bamonte, 27, from Delano, who were identified as the main suspects.
The relationship between the suspects and the victim remains unclear, with only limited information available. The BPD has refrained from disclosing such details, stating that it could jeopardize the victim’s identity before the coroner’s office officially confirms it.
Both suspects were taken into custody and incarcerated in the Kern County Jail early on Sunday morning. They are facing charges that include first-degree murder, torture, and multiple instances of child abuse. The dates for their court appearances in Kern County are yet to be determined.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with pertinent information to reach out to the BPD at 661-327-7111. The community is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of the young girl, and questions remain about the circumstances that led to her untimely death.