Two young Black girls found dead in buried suitcases in Ohio

Police are asking the public for tips after the grim discovery near a Cleveland school

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Two unidentified Black girls, believed to be between the ages of 8 and 14, were found dead inside separate suitcases that were buried in shallow graves in a field near Ginn Academy in Cleveland, Ohio. The discovery was made by a man walking his dog on Monday evening. Police have launched a homicide investigation but have not determined a cause of death or how long the girls had been in the suitcases.

Why it matters

The tragic discovery of the two young girls' bodies has shocked the Cleveland community and raised urgent questions about their identities, how they died, and who is responsible. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help solve this disturbing case.

The details

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the bodies were found after a man walking his dog near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue discovered a partially buried suitcase and called the police. Responding officers found a shallow grave with one suitcase containing a deceased individual, and then located a second shallow grave with another suitcase holding a second body. The girls have not been identified, and the medical examiner is working to determine their cause of death. Police say there are no active missing persons reports matching the victims.

  • The discovery was made on Monday evening.

The players

Dorothy Todd

The Cleveland Police Chief who provided details about the grim discovery during a news conference.

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What they’re saying

“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, Cleveland Police Chief (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit has launched a 24-hour tip line at 216-623-5464 and is appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the victims and solve the case.

The takeaway

The discovery of the two young girls' bodies inside buried suitcases has left the Cleveland community in shock and searching for answers. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any tips or information that could aid their homicide investigation and provide closure for the victims' families.