CLEVELAND, OHIO — A 28-year-old woman has been arrested days after the bodies of two young girls were discovered inside suitcases buried in a shallow grave in a residential field, authorities announced Thursday.
The Cleveland Division of Police confirmed the arrest but did not immediately release the suspect’s name, stating that formal charges were expected to be filed later in the day.
The case has shaken the Cleveland community following what Police Chief Dorothy Todd described as a “horrific” discovery.
Discovery of the Suitcases
According to police, detectives began investigating Monday evening after a resident walking a dog in a neighborhood field spotted what appeared to be a body inside a suitcase and contacted authorities.
Responding officers located a second suitcase nearby. Both were found buried in a shallow grave in a field near a school.
Authorities confirmed that:
- The two victims were young girls.
- One is believed to have been between 8½ and 13 years old.
- The other is believed to have been between 10½ and 14 years old.
- The girls have been identified as half-siblings, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officials have not disclosed how long the bodies were at the location but indicated it had been “some time.”
Cause of Death Still Undetermined
Police said there were no clear indicators at the scene to immediately determine the cause of death.
The medical examiner’s office is continuing forensic testing to determine:
- The official cause and manner of death.
- The positive identification of the victims.
“This is a traumatic event for our officers, for the community,” Chief Todd said during a press briefing.
Investigation Leads to Nearby Residence
As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant Wednesday at a residence located within one block of the field where the bodies were found.
Police stated they recovered substantial evidence related to the case during the search.
A person of interest was detained on Wednesday, with Cleveland Police Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz describing it as a “significant break” in the investigation.
On Thursday, authorities confirmed that a 28-year-old woman had been arrested in connection with the suspected homicides.
Chief Todd said that “careful and methodical work” by detectives led to the development of evidence necessary to quickly identify and arrest the suspect.
Child Taken Into Protective Custody
During the search of the residence, a child was located inside the home.
Police confirmed the child appeared to be in good health and was taken into custody by the county’s Department of Children and Family Services for protective care.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the relationship between the arrested woman and the victims.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to process evidence and await final autopsy results.
Police have not released further information about:
- A possible motive
- The timeline of events
- The identities of the victims pending official confirmation
Authorities are expected to release more information once formal charges are filed.
Conclusion
The arrest of a 28-year-old woman marks a major development in the investigation into the deaths of two young girls found in suitcases in a Cleveland field.
As forensic testing continues and charges are formally announced, the case remains under active investigation.
