Authorities say the two victims are believed to be between 8 and 14 years old.
CLEVELAND — A 28-year-old woman has been arrested by Cleveland police and is expected to be charged at some point today, which comes just days after the bodies of two young girls were found in suitcases in the area of East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue.
“Once the suspect is formally charged, her identity will be released,” according to Cleveland police. “The investigation remains ongoing as the case proceeds through the judicial process.”
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb released the following statement on Thursday:
I want to thank our homicide detectives and members of the Division of Police for their incredible work in this case. Their dedication and persistence led to a quick arrest in connection with the tragic deaths of two young children whose bodies were discovered earlier this week.
This has shocked our community. We love and protect our young people, and the loss of these two children is unimaginable. Our hearts are with everyone who is grieving this tragedy.
CASE DETAILS
The situation started around 6 p.m. Monday when officers with the Fifth District responded to the scene after receiving a report of a suspected dead body.
After officers found the body of a young girl inside a suitcase, detectives found a second body of another young girl inside a separate suitcase.
“Both victims were transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, where examinations are underway to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to the Cleveland Division of Police.
In new details released late Wednesday morning, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that DNA testing revealed the girls are half-siblings. They are believed to be between the ages of 8 and 14 years old.
During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd said there are no clear indicators of the cause of death of the two young girls. She also said it’s unknown how long they had been at the location.
“These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them,” said Chief Todd. “Our detectives worked tirelessly and with great care to identify those responsible. Investigations of this nature require patience, precision, and discretion. Unlike what is often portrayed on television, every detail cannot be shared publicly. Certain information must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure justice for these victims. That careful and methodical work allowed our detectives to develop the evidence needed to make quick identification of a person of interest, ultimately resulting in an arrest.”
INVESTIGATION
It was first announced Wednesday that police had detained a person of interest in the case.
“Using intelligence-led policing strategies, technology, and experienced investigative skills, detectives developed probable cause to execute a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of East 162nd Street,” according to Cleveland police. “Within less than 48 hours, detectives detained a person of interest and recovered substantial evidence related to the case.”
Police said a child was found inside the home “and appeared to be in good health.” The Department of Children and Family Services has taken custody of the child.