Bakersfield, Calif. (August 3, 2025) — A man from Bakersfield and a woman from Delano have been arrested in connection with the death of an 8-year-old girl found in a hotel bathtub on Saturday, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
Officers responded at approximately 5:37 p.m. to a call reporting a possible medical emergency at the La Quinta Inn, located at 3232 Riverside Boulevard. Upon arrival, they located the room in question and discovered the bathroom door was locked. After forcing entry, officers found the child deceased in the bathtub with what investigators described as “substantial trauma to her body.”
Following an investigation, Bakersfield Police identified and arrested two suspects: 31-year-old Ray Mata Jr. of Bakersfield and 27-year-old Graciela Bustamonte of Delano. Both were taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder, torture, and multiple counts of child abuse. Authorities have not released the identity of the child or further details regarding the relationship between the suspects and the victim.
Bakersfield Police are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the department at (661) 327-7111.
The department also reminded the public that if anyone suspects a child is being abused or neglected, they should call the Kern County Child Abuse Hotline. The hotline is available 24 hours a day at (661) 631-6011 or 1-800-540-4000.
Support services are available for victims of child abuse through The Open Door Network, which offers counseling and emergency assistance. Their hotline can be reached at (661) 322-9199.
This investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.
Kings Network News will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
