BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The death of 8-year-old Genesis Mata has sparked renewed scrutiny of the child welfare system after reports confirmed the girl was killed despite at least one previous report to Child Protective Services.

Genesis was found dead in a bathtub at a La Quinta Inn in northwest Bakersfield on Aug. 2, after what investigators described as days of torture and abuse. Her father, Ray Mata Jr., and stepmother, Graciella Bustamante, are charged with her murder. Both have pleaded not guilty.

According to court documents, the child was subjected to boiling water, had her hand crushed, and was repeatedly whipped and beaten before she died. Another child was found at the scene with visible injuries, and both suspects reportedly admitted the abuse had been ongoing.

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