Two Unidentified Black Girls Discovered Dead in Buried Suitcases in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Police Seek Public Help After Grim Discovery of Two Young Girls

Authorities in Cleveland, Ohio, are appealing to the community for information following a deeply disturbing discovery — two young Black girls found dead, each concealed inside a separate suitcase and buried in shallow graves.

How the Discovery Was Made

The grim find occurred on a Monday evening near the intersection of East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue, in an open field close to Ginn Academy. A man out walking his dog noticed a partially buried suitcase near a fence by a local playground. His dog had led him directly to the spot. After unzipping the bag and discovering human remains, he immediately contacted law enforcement.

Responding officers located the first shallow grave and confirmed a deceased individual inside the suitcase. A subsequent sweep of the surrounding area led police to a second shallow grave containing another suitcase — and a second victim.

Victims Remain Unidentified

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd confirmed that both victims are believed to be young girls, with estimated ages ranging between 8 and 13 for one, and 10 and 14 for the other. Neither girl has been identified at this time, and no cause of death has been established. Notably, Cleveland police report no active missing persons cases that match the descriptions of either victim, leaving investigators with significant uncertainty about the girls' identities and how long they may have been at the scene.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has taken custody of both bodies. Chief Todd confirmed that neither victim had been dismembered.

Authorities Call It a 'Horrific' Tragedy

Chief Todd spoke openly about the emotional weight of the discovery during a press conference, calling it a "terrible, horrific situation" for both officers and the broader Cleveland community.

"This is a traumatic event for our officers, for the community. This is just such a tragic incident, but we are trying to develop any leads we can. That's why we are also asking for the community's help," Todd stated.

She also emphasized that this crime did not happen spontaneously, and that investigators are working to establish a precise timeline of events. Todd noted there is currently no indication of an ongoing public safety threat.

Police Urge Community to Come Forward

The Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit has established a dedicated 24-hour tip line to gather information from the public. Anyone with relevant knowledge is strongly encouraged to call 216-623-5464.

This case has drawn widespread attention and concern, and investigators are urging anyone — whether in the immediate neighborhood or beyond — who may have seen or heard anything unusual to reach out to authorities without delay.