ALLAPATTAH, Fla. – Jorge Barahona, who faces the death penalty if convicted, appeared in Miami-Dade County court on Wednesday, as he begins to feel the weight of justice in the torture and death of his 10-year-old adopted daughter, Nubia.
Barahona has been behind bars for about nine years. Prosecutors have been working on the case since March 7, 2011. Barahona’s attorney told the judge on Wednesday he wants more time to prepare for trial.
Jorge Barahona’s wife, Carmen Barahona, recently pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges. The 69-year-old inmate’s sentencing will be deferred until she testifies against her 52-year-old husband, prosecutors said.
The judge denied Barahona’s attorney’s request for more time. His plea hearing is in March and his trial begins in April.
The horrific evidence detectives gathered included the little girl’s body, which had been soaked with chemicals. Deputies found Nubia dead in the back of Barahona’s truck on 2011 Valentine’s Day along Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County.
The Department of Children & Families placed Nubia and her twin brother, Victor, in the home as foster children and allowed the Barahona’s to adopt them. Victor survived the abuse, which investigators reported included being starved and caged.
Jorge Barahona is facing eight counts of child abuse, seven counts of child neglect with no great bodily harm, child neglect with great bodily harm, child abuse with great bodily harm, attempted first-degree murder, dead human body abuse and first-degree murder.