Everett, Washington – A mother in Washington state was taken into custody on Friday in connection with the tragic death of her 4-year-old son, whose body was discovered near a highway following his disappearance earlier in the week.
Janet Garcia has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, as well as assault of a child, after the body of Ariel Garcia was found along Interstate 5. Law enforcement authorities revealed that Janet Garcia also faces allegations of providing false and misleading information during the investigation into her son’s disappearance.
The investigation unfolded after a relative reported Ariel missing, prompting officials to identify Janet Garcia as a person of interest. During questioning, Janet Garcia reportedly claimed that her son had suffered a fall and head injury, leading her to seek medical assistance. However, she allegedly left the hospital without receiving treatment due to long wait times.
Investigators allege that Janet Garcia later told them she left Ariel with a friend in Seattle but had no knowledge of his whereabouts afterward. Significant amounts of blood were reportedly discovered in the apartment where Garcia resided, and she was found with blood on her clothing at the time of her apprehension.
The grandmother of Ariel had previously taken legal action to secure guardianship of the child, citing concerns over Janet Garcia’s substance abuse issues and their impact on her ability to care for her son. Court documents also indicated that Garcia’s behavior had grown increasingly erratic in the days leading up to Ariel’s disappearance.
The grandmother expressed fears about Garcia’s potential for harm toward Ariel, describing her as a threat to the child’s well-being. It was reported that Garcia had engaged in violent behavior, including an incident where Ariel’s older brother was reportedly thrown against a wall.
As the legal proceedings progress, it remains unclear whether Janet Garcia has legal representation. Requests for clarification from the Snohomish County Superior Court have not yet been addressed. For those in need of assistance with substance abuse or mental health concerns, resources such as the SAMHSA National Helpline are available for support.