Two Young Girls Found Dead in Cleveland, Buried in Suitcases

Police are seeking leads after the gruesome discovery of two bodies in separate suitcases in a field near Ginn Academy.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The bodies of two young Black girls, estimated to be between 8-14 years old, were found buried in separate suitcases in a field in Cleveland, Ohio. Police are investigating the deaths as homicides and have launched a 24-hour tip line to gather information from the public, but have not yet identified the victims or determined how long the bodies had been there.

Why it matters

This tragic discovery has shaken the Cleveland community, raising concerns about public safety and the need to solve this horrific crime. The police are working to determine the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths in order to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.

The details

On Monday evening, a 911 caller reported finding the first suitcase containing a body while walking his dog near the Ginn Academy. Police responded and found a second suitcase nearby, also containing a body. The girls' remains were found intact and not dismembered. One girl is estimated to be between 8 1/2 and 13 years old, while the other is believed to be between 10 1/2 and 14 years old. The official cause of death has not yet been released, and police are checking state and nationwide databases to try to identify the victims.

  • On Monday, March 2, a 911 caller reported finding the first suitcase containing a body.
  • On Tuesday, March 3, Police Chief Dorothy Todd provided an update on the investigation.

The players

Dorothy Todd

The Cleveland Police Chief who is leading the investigation into the discovery of the two bodies.

Phillip Donaldson

The resident who discovered one of the suitcases while walking his dog on Monday evening.

Cheryl Young

A resident who has lived across the street from the crime scene for 26 years and is concerned about the safety of the neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a terrible, horrific situation.”

— Dorothy Todd, Police Chief (WJW)

“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.”

— Dorothy Todd, Police Chief (WJW)

“It's shocking. Makes me a little bit afraid. It's just frightening to think that something like that has happened that close to where you live.”

— Cheryl Young, Resident (WJW)

What’s next

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting autopsies to determine the official cause of death for the two girls. Police are also continuing to investigate the crime scene and are asking residents to check their security cameras for any suspicious activity.

The takeaway

This tragic discovery has left the Cleveland community shaken and searching for answers. The police are working diligently to identify the victims, determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. This case highlights the importance of community cooperation and vigilance in solving such heinous crimes.