Woman arrested after 2 girls found dead in Cleveland, buried in suitcases

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Charges are expected to be filed in connection with the deaths of two young girls found dead and buried in suitcases earlier this week, police in Cleveland say.

Nexstar’s WJW learned late on Wednesday that a 28-year-old woman was being questioned.

Thursday morning, police confirmed that the woman had been arrested and charges were forthcoming. They did not identify the woman.
Cleveland police find bodies in suitcasesAn official is pictured near a crime scene in Cleveland where the bodies of two girls were discovered partially buried in suitcases. (WJW)
The bodies of the two girls were discovered on Monday, March 2, in suitcases partially buried in shallow graves near the Ginn Academy high school, WJW previously reported. Investigators believe one of the girls was between about 8½ and 13 years old. The other is believed to have been between about 10½ and 14 years old. Both victims are Black.

DNA testing confirmed the girls were half-sisters, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office said Wednesday. Authorities have not yet positively identified either child.

Officials also have not released the causes of death. The medical examiner told WJW that autopsies have been conducted.

WJW photo

WJW photo

FOX 8 photo

FOX 8 photo

FOX 8 photo

FOX 8 photo

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said investigators believe the suitcases had been buried for “some time,” but it remains unclear exactly how long the girls’ bodies were in the field before they were discovered.

On Wednesday, police returned to the area of the discovery to execute a search warrant at a nearby home, Cleveland Police spokesperson Sgt. Freddy Diaz said. Police said a woman at the home was taken into custody. A child, reportedly in good health, was also found at the home and turned over to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

The Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit is asking the public for help as the investigation continues. Detectives have launched a 24-hour tip line at 216-623-5464; tips can also be submitted to Cuyahoga County Crimestoppers at 216-252-7463.

Todd also urged residents to review home security camera footage for any suspicious activity, including anyone lingering in the area who may not belong there.