The Kern County Sheriffs Office says the stepmother of Genesis Mata, 8, was attacked in jail.

Officials say Graciela Bustamonte, 27, was assaulted August 8, 2025, by another inmate and was taken to a hospital then returned to custody.

Charges are pending against the suspect identified as Anita Doron.

Bustamonte and the child’s father, Ray Mata, Jr., 31, are accused of torturing and killing Genesis and leaving her body in a bathtub at the La Quita Inn in central Bakersfield.

The child’s body was discovered on August 2.

Bustamonte and Mata could face the death penalty if convicted.

A preliminary hearing is set for October.