BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The father and stepmother of 8-year-old Genesis Ariah Mata, who was found dead in a Bakersfield motel room over the weekend, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder and torture.

Ray Mata, 31, and Graciela Bustamante, 27, appeared in Kern County Superior Court, where both entered not guilty pleas in connection with the child’s death. Family members from both sides filled the courtroom, many overcome with emotion as the charges were read.

“I had to actually hold myself back,” said cousin Sabrina Guerrero. “The system failed my little cousin — big time.”

Genesis was discovered in a room at the La Quinta Inn in northwest Bakersfield. Police said she had suffered significant trauma and injuries indicative of prolonged

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