In Loving Memory of Two Precious Young Lives
The city of Cleveland is reeling from a heartbreaking and horrific discovery — the bodies of two young girls, believed to be homicide victims, found buried in separate suitcases in a field off East 162nd Street near Ginn Academy and not far from Saranac Playground.
On the evening of March 2, what began as a simple walk turned into a devastating moment that would shake an entire community. A man walking his dog noticed a suitcase partially buried near a fence line. When he approached and unzipped the luggage, he made the unimaginable discovery of human remains and immediately called 911. Responding officers from the Cleveland Division of Police confirmed that the suitcase contained the body of a young girl. While canvassing the area, investigators located a second suitcase nearby, also containing the body of another child.
During a press briefing, Police Chief Dorothy Todd described the situation as “terrible” and “horrific.” The girls’ remains were intact and not dismembered, and both were transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.
Authorities estimate the children were between approximately 8½ and 14 years old. One girl is believed to have been between 8½ and 13 years old, and the other between 10½ and 14 years old. Their identities remain unknown at this time, though police have stated that both girls were Black. Investigators have not yet determined how the girls died or how long the suitcases had been buried. Recent heavy snowfall may have concealed the shallow graves for some time.
As detectives with the Homicide Unit work tirelessly — expanding their search to state and national missing persons databases — the focus must remain not solely on the horror of the crime, but on the two innocent lives lost.
These were children.
Two young girls who should have been safe. Two young souls who deserved warmth, laughter, school days, playground afternoons, and futures filled with possibility. Instead of being remembered for their talents, their favorite colors, their dreams, or the sound of their laughter, they are known for a tragedy that has left an entire city heartbroken.
Somewhere, there may be family members searching for answers. Somewhere, there may be loved ones unaware of what has happened. And somewhere in the silence of this field, two childhoods were stolen.
The grief surrounding this case is heavy and complicated — grief for lives cut short, grief for innocence lost, and grief for the unanswered questions that linger. The fact that no local missing children reports currently match their descriptions only deepens the urgency and sorrow. Every child deserves to be known. Every child deserves to have their name spoken with love. These two girls deserve dignity, justice, and remembrance.
Police have established a 24-hour tip line as investigators work urgently to determine who the victims are and who is responsible. Residents are urged to review security camera footage for anything suspicious, including unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
📞 Cleveland Police Homicide Tip Line: 216-623-5464
📞 Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers: 216-252-7463
While authorities state there is no clear indication of an immediate threat to public safety, the community remains shaken. In times like these, unity matters. Vigilance matters. Compassion matters.
As Cleveland searches for answers, may we also hold space to honor these two young lives. Though their names are not yet known, their worth is undeniable. They mattered. They were children with stories, with personalities, with futures that should have unfolded naturally and safely.
May their memories be treated with reverence.
May justice be swift and certain.
May their names, once known, be spoken with the love and dignity they deserve.
Rest gently, little ones. You are not forgotten.







