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[Catch earlier FOX 8 News reports via the player above.]
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Recent DNA analysis has revealed that the two young girls discovered deceased on Monday, March 2, were half-sisters, as stated by the Ohio medical examiner’s office.
The tragic discovery was made in a field near Ginn Academy, where the suitcases containing the bodies were found partially buried in shallow graves, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd explained to reporters on Tuesday.
According to earlier reports from Nexstar’s WJW, a dog walker stumbled upon one of the suitcases and immediately contacted 911. He mentioned that the shocking find has left him unable to sleep.
On Wednesday, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner confirmed the familial connection between the two girls, though their identities remain unconfirmed at this time.
One girl is estimated to be between 8 1/2 and 13 years old. The other is believed to be between 10 1/2 and 14 years old. Both are Black.
Authorities have not released a cause of death for the girls. It’s unknown how long they had been buried before being found, though Todd said they were there for “some time.”
Todd on Tuesday asked residents to check their security cameras for anything suspicious. Anyone with information on the ongoing investigation should reach out to the police department’s homicide unit, which has established a 24-hour daily tip line at 216-623-5464. They can also call Cuyahoga County Crimestoppers at 216-252-7463.