Additional Coverage:
Cleveland authorities are grappling with a somber task: identifying two young half-sisters whose bodies were discovered buried inside suitcases on the city’s east side.
The grim find occurred Monday in the Collinwood neighborhood, prompted by a tip from a dog walker, according to police. One of the girls is estimated to be between 8 and 13 years old, while the other is believed to be between 10 and 14 years old.
During a Tuesday news conference, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd stated that the cause of death for the two Black girls remains unknown, though their bodies appeared to have been at the location for an extended period. “We are hoping to find answers,” Chief Todd remarked, describing the situation as “a terrible, tragic situation.”
Preliminary DNA testing by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the two girls were half-sisters. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Chief Todd also noted that the circumstances surrounding this case do not align with any active missing persons reports in the area.