Woman Arrested After Bodies of 2 Girls Found in Suitcases in Cleveland Field

Authorities say the victims were half-siblings between the ages of 8 and 14 years old.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cleveland police have arrested a 28-year-old woman after the bodies of two young girls were discovered in suitcases in a field in the city. The victims, who were determined to be half-siblings between the ages of 8 and 14, were found on Monday after a passerby spotted one of the bodies. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death but say the investigation led them to execute a search warrant at a nearby residence, where they recovered substantial evidence.

Why it matters

The disturbing discovery of the two young victims' bodies in suitcases has shocked the Cleveland community and raised urgent questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of child safety and the need for thorough investigations into suspected homicides involving minors.

The details

According to police, an individual walking a dog on Monday evening spotted one of the bodies inside a suitcase in a field near a school. Officers responding to the scene then located a second body in another suitcase nearby, both in a shallow grave. Authorities say the victims were determined to be half-siblings, with one girl suspected to have been between 8 1/2 and 13 years old, and the other between 10 1/2 and 14. The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, but police say the investigation led them to execute a search warrant at a residence located within a block of the field, where they recovered substantial evidence related to the case.

  • On Monday evening, an individual walking a dog spotted one of the bodies inside a suitcase in a field.
  • Police responded to the scene and located a second body in another suitcase nearby.
  • On Wednesday, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located within a block of the field and recovered substantial evidence.

The players

Cleveland Division of Police

The local law enforcement agency investigating the case.

Dorothy Todd

The Cleveland Police Chief who described the discovery as a "traumatic event" for the community.

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that determined the victims were half-siblings between the ages of 8 and 14.

Wilfredo Diaz

A Cleveland Police Sergeant who said the detention of a person of interest was a "significant break" in the case.

28-year-old woman

The suspect who was arrested in connection with the suspected homicides.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a traumatic event for our officers, for the community.”

— Dorothy Todd, Cleveland Police Chief (ksro.com)

“Careful and methodical work in this case allowed our detectives to develop the evidence needed to make quick identification of a person of interest, ultimately resulting in an arrest.”

— Dorothy Todd, Cleveland Police Chief (ksro.com)

What’s next

The suspect is expected to be formally charged later on Thursday, at which point her name will be released by authorities.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations into suspected child homicides and the importance of community vigilance in reporting any suspicious activity. As the details continue to unfold, the Cleveland community will likely grapple with the tragic loss of these young lives and seek answers and accountability.