Janet Garcia, 27, of Lynnwood, Washington, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree assault of a child in connection with the tragic death of her 4-year-old son, Ariel Garcia. Garcia was reported missing by other family members on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a statewide search. However, the boy’s body was discovered in Pierce County along Interstate 5 on last Thursday.
Janet Garcia was apprehended in Ridgefield, Washington, while authorities were searching for her son. During questioning, Garcia claimed that her son had fallen out of a bed and hit his head while they were staying at a friend’s house in Everett. She alleged that she tried to take him to a hospital in Everett but decided against it due to long wait times. Instead, Garcia stated that she dropped Ariel off at a friend’s house in Seattle.
However, police noted inconsistencies in Garcia’s statements and discovered what appeared to be splatters of blood on her shoes and shirt during the interview in Ridgefield. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner has determined that Ariel’s cause of death was “homicidal violence,” although specific details have not been disclosed.
Janet Garcia now faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree assault of a child, as well as making a false statement to a public servant. She was booked into the Snohomish County jail on Friday night.
The tragic death of Ariel Garcia has left the community in shock and mourning. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to gather all the necessary evidence. The court process will determine the appropriate legal consequences for Janet Garcia’s alleged actions.
