Press Releases

Brutal Child Abuse
February 7, 2009

A Bonita Springs man took his discipline of a young girl way too far – scarring her body and leaving her afraid to confide in anyone about the abuse.

A little girl passes a note to a boy in class – a harmless action of an elementary school student. But for one victim, it was an act that got her a severe beating from a family member – with at least 24 slashes across her back.

Detectives say Carlos Garcia drove the girl to a dead end road, broke a stick off of a tree, then beat her repeatedly. She told investigators that the beating hurt so much, but when she cried, Garcia told her to be quiet – or the beatings would only get worse.

“He threatened to leave her, but then put her back in the car and on the way back to the house, he beat her in the leg several more times, to cause injuries there also," said Sgt. Mark Busbee of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Afraid of being beat again, the little girl remained quiet – and didn’t even tell her mother what happened that evening. The next day in school, an alert teacher realized something was wrong. When she was questioned about her pain, the little girl revealed the injuries that covered her entire back.

That afternoon, Garcia disappeared, having never told anyone about how his discipline of his stepsister went way too far the night before.

“That’s the most disturbing part of it – is that he waited – didn’t say anything to the mom, and then very excessively disciplined her for a very minor infraction at school. Then he brought her back home and still didn’t inform the mother," Busbee said.

Detectives say this isn’t the first time there was an allegation of abuse on the little girl. But this is, however, the first time the claim was substantiated – and an arrest warrant issued. Garcia is now on the run – but detectives believe he’s still in the Bonita area. He also has ties in Texas.

The victim in this case is recovering from her physical wounds – but until Carlos Garcia is caught, she’ll always have to look over her shoulder. Investigators hope your anonymous tip will give her that peace of mind.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Carlos Garcia is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org.