BREAKING NEWS 💔 Investigators confirm the timeline leading up to the tragic discovery of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia (11 years old) in New Britain. Surveillance footage shows her last seen walking near Stanley Street at 4:37 PM — less than 20 minutes before neighbors heard a loud noise. Now, police say one crucial call was never returned…

NEW BRITAIN, CT (WFSB) – A neighborhood in New Britain on Friday continued to seek answers after the remains of a girl were discovered.

Family members identified the girl as 12-year-old Jacqueline Torres, whom went by the nickname “Mimi.”

Family members identified the girl as 12-year-old Jacqueline Torres, whom went by the nickname “Mimi.”(Contributed)

The discovery was made near an abandoned home on Clark Street on Wednesday.

New Britain officials confirmed on Friday morning that the remains belonged to an adolescent female.

Through our continued partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, we have learned the remains found Wednesday are that of an adolescent female. While we understand there are still many questions surrounding this case, it is crucial for us to allow the Medical Examiner’s Office to continue their work. Our police department has been working around the clock to piece together the information that has come forward to determine a timeline and an exact location of events leading up to our discovery earlier in the week.

Police have not yet publicly identified the remains.

However, both Victor Torres, Jacqueline’s father, and Frances Melendez, the girl’s stepmother, told Channel 3 that they learned of the identity from police on Thursday.

Torres claimed that he had not seen or spoken to his daughter since before her 12th birthday, which was Jan. 29. He said Jacqueline was living with her mother, who had custody.

He believes that she had been missing since January or potentially earlier. He said he hadn’t been able to get in touch with her for months and she had not been reported missing.

Multiple members of Jacqueline Torres’ family told Channel 3 they believe she was the victim of shocking violence.

The medical examiner’s office says Jacqueline’s autopsy results are pending further studies. Additional lab tests may be needed, prolonging an official cause of Jacqueline’s death.

A memorial was set up at the scene. It included dozens of candles and balloons outside of the home.

“This was a small child,” said Juanita Ruiz, New Britain. “You don’t do that to a child that’s coming into this life and learning. Who knows if they were going to be a lawyer, the president. You don’t know what this child had in mind. Why take her life away like that? And then throw her away like you’re garbage. You’re not worth a dime. No, you don’t do that to a human being.”

“It’s heartbreaking. It’s a little girl. She didn’t deserve that. It hit close to home,” said Liza Soto, New Britian. “I had to come down and show respects. I had to. It was just something I had to do.”

“It’s kind of scary to think that there was human remains right across the street from where me and my kids live,” said Shannon Leary, New Britain.

Police have been tight-lipped with information. They have not offered many details, including if an arrest was made.

Police say they are now working with other local law enforcement in central Connecticut.

“Delicate investigations of this nature often take twists and turns, which is why it is so important that we do not say anything until we have all of the facts that have been corroborated by all law enforcement agencies actively working on a case like this.

The New Britain Police Department is still actively working on all aspects of the investigation that occurred within the city.  We understand the public’s want for information, we are working around the clock to share what we can, when we can, so as to protect the investigation from being compromised.”

Farmington police said that they are working in collaboration with New Britain police on the investigation.

The remains were found in a container in the backyard. While the house was vacant for years, neighbors told Channel 3 that people squatted in it.

The Department of Children and Families declined to comment on if they had an open case with Jacqueline’s family.

“We are profoundly saddened by the report we received late Wednesday night regarding the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of an adolescent girl. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, neighbors, and others who knew her and for the pain and loss they are experiencing.

We are grateful to the first responders – New Britain Police and our Agency staff – for their response and collaborative efforts to investigate this horrible tragedy.

This reinforces for all members of our community such as professionals, family members, and concerned citizens, that protecting children takes our collective efforts.

Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, we are unable to comment any further at this time.

We ask anyone who may have information related to the matter to contact Law Enforcement.”

The Consolidated School District of New Britain released a statement.

At this time, law enforcement has not publicly identified the individual involved. Out of respect for the family and in alignment with standard protocols, we are not able to comment or confirm any information related to the identity of the individual at this time.

We are, however, mindful that this news may be impacting members of our school community, and are aware of unconfirmed reports that this individual may be a former student. The district is prepared to make support services available to students and staff.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.