Authorities discovered that the two girls whose bodies were found stuffed in suitcases were related.
Preliminary DNA analysis by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the girls were biological half-sisters.
According to authorities, they were unable to identify the two girls based on their DNA alone.
The coroner’s staff is still trying to determine the cause of death of the girls as well as the method used to kill them.
The remains of two girls were found in a suitcase in Ohio on Monday, March 2.
One of the bags was left half-buried in a shallow grave, according to a man who accidentally stumbled upon the luggage.
Man, Phillip DonaldsonHe said he was walking his dog in a park in Cleveland when the dog pulled him towards the bag.
He spoke to the local media and explained how he got the bag out of the mess, unzipped the bag and found the head.
Police arrived at the park and searched the area, finding a second suitcase with another body.
Initial reports indicated that only one suitcase was found with the two bodies,
Investigators believe the girls were between the ages of 8 and 14 at the time of their deaths – possibly as a result of homicidal violence.
The police still do not know how long the girls’ bodies have been buried, but they have been buried for “a long time”.
According to Donaldson, a mound of dirt has been visible for a week. He recalled his disturbing discovery to local news outlet News 5.
“It was like a bunch of dirt, and then he stopped sniffing … and he was taking a long time,” Donaldson said, referring to his dog. “Then I went back and looked, look, it was a suitcase that was half buried and I pulled it out and looked, and it was a head.
Cleveland police said they have not received reports of any missing children such as the girls’ bodies.
Police are looking into missing person reports across the country and neighboring states for leads.
The girls, the police said are black and their bodies are said to be imperfect.
Investigators said they were having trouble finding surveillance footage from the cameras in the area, as they do not store historical information.
Currently, no suspects have been identified in this case. Police are questioning a person of interest, but no charges have been filed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 3, the Mayor of Cleveland Justin Bibb he condemned the killings.
“This horrific crime, in which the bodies of two children were dumped, is very disturbing,” said Bibb. “These were children who had their whole lives in front of them. Whoever is responsible for taking away their future must be held fully accountable under the law. Our police department is following all procedures, carefully examining all available evidence, and using all necessary resources. They will not stop working until those who committed this heinous and inhuman act are found.”
Cleveland police are asking anyone with information that could help identify the two girls or the person or people who died to call (216) 25-CRIME or 1-800-225-5324.
You can also file a report online here or contact Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers here.
