TWO YOUNG GIRLS FOUND DEAD IN SUITCASES IN A FIELD

Police in Cleveland are investigating a horrific discovery after the bodies of two young girls believed to be homicide victims were found buried in separate suitcases Monday evening.

According to Police Chief Dorothy Todd, the suitcases were discovered in a field off East 162nd Street near Ginn Academy, not far from Saranac Playground. Investigators say the luggage had been partially buried in shallow graves.

“It’s just a terrible, horrific situation,” Todd said during a Tuesday press briefing.

The discovery began when a man walking his dog called 911 on the evening of March 2 after noticing a suitcase partially buried near a fence line.

The caller, identified as Phillip Donaldson, told reporters his dog ran toward the suitcase. When he went to check it and unzipped the luggage, he discovered a human head inside and immediately contacted police.

Officers arrived and confirmed the suitcase contained a body. While searching the area, investigators found a second suitcase nearby containing another victim.

Police say the girls’ remains were intact and not dismembered. Both bodies were transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.

Authorities estimate the victims were between approximately 8½ and 14 years old:

•One girl believed to be between 8½ and 13 years old

•The other estimated to be between 10½ and 14 years old

Their identities remain unknown, but police state both were black.

Investigators say there are currently no local missing children reports that match the girls’ descriptions, prompting police to expand their search to state and national databases.

Police also have not yet determined how the girls died or how long the suitcases had been in the field. However, Chief Todd noted that recent heavy snowfall may have concealed the graves for some time.

The Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit has launched a 24-hour tip line as detectives work to identify the victims and determine who is responsible.

Chief Todd urged residents to check security camera footage for anything suspicious — including unfamiliar vehicles or individuals lingering in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact:

Cleveland Police Homicide Tip Line: 216-623-5464

Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers: 216-252-7463

Police say there is no clear indication of an immediate threat to public safety, but investigators are working urgently to determine when the crime occurred and who the victims are.