SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. – A young mother was stabbed to death in Southwest Miami-Dade after her 3-year-old daughter was discovered wandering a neighborhood alone, prompting detectives to arrest the victim’s ex-boyfriend, authorities said.
The family of Maria Camila Garcia-Molina set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
Loved ones described the 24-year-old as “the most beautiful and loving girl that you can ever imagine.” She was a hardworking woman with big dreams, plans, and a bright future ahead.”
However, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies stated that the future would be cut short.
According to detectives, the victim was found stabbed to death in her car in a parking lot in her neighborhood, near Southwest 143rd Street and 137th Avenue, on Saturday evening.
Sunday afternoon, 7News cameras captured shattered glass as deputies forced their way into Garcia-Molina’s vehicle.
Neighbors who spoke with 7News said they were shocked to hear about the horrific crime.
“On the side of my house, about six feet from the fence. It’s horrible, tragic, and just horrible,” said an area resident who declined to be identified or show his face on camera.
Deputies arrested the victim’s ex-boyfriend, Joy Chandra Nath, 29, in connection with the murder.
According to investigators, Garcia-Molina and her daughter left their home around noon on Saturday.
A few hours later, detectives said, the toddler was discovered wandering the neighborhood, covered in blood.
According to Nath’s arrest report, the kids “disclosed to an MDSO Vulnerable Victims Unit detectives that her mother was with Joy, and that her mother was hit in the head, and she was now sleeping.”
Around 6:30 p.m., deputies discovered the victim with multiple stab wounds in the back seat of the car, covered in blankets.
“When I returned from the store, everything was taped off, and when we discovered there was a girl in the car, we had no idea what was going on,” said the area resident who spoke with 7News.
Investigators said Nath arrived at the crime scene with scratches on his arms, face, and neck.
Authorities said the suspect spontaneously stated that he was with the victim that morning, had her belongings, and would return them.
When detectives searched his car, they discovered Garcia-Molina’s cellphone and purse.
Detectives arrested Nath after analyzing his cellphone data.
The 29-year-old suspect frequently discusses dating and women on the social media app TikTok.
Family members told detectives that Nath had a history of stalking the victim, and she even had a restraining order against him.
Furthermore, Nath was out on bond for a previous offense. In December, he was charged with grand theft and fraud.
Garcia-Molina’s heartbroken family announced that her 3-year-old daughter will now grow up without her mother.
“Poor baby, is all I can say. I have a year-and-a-half-old daughter, and I couldn’t imagine,” said. “It is horrible. There is no other way to put it: it’s a tragedy.
Nath is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade. He is facing murder and child abuse charges.
Donate to the GoFundMe account set up for Garcia-Molina’s family.
