More information released in child’s body being discovered in suitcase

WASHINGTON – Indiana State Police are releasing new details about a young black male child found dead in the woods between East Washington School Corporation and South Boston Saturday evening.

According to Sgt. Carey Huls, the body was found stuffed in a closed, hard case suitcase that was approximately 30 inches tall, with an image of Las Vegas on the front. 

Huls said police hope the image will lead to more specific tips and the identification of the child. 

An autopsy was conducted on Tuesday; however, no information as to the cause of death was determined.

Results of the toxicology report are still pending, and investigators are hopeful that information will shed more light on the cause of death.  

Based on the information provided by the autopsy, investigators believe the child is approximately 5 years old. He is described as a black male, approximately four feet tall, with a slender build and short haircut. 

A mushroom hunter reported the discovery to police on Saturday evening and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department sent a tone to the Pierce Polk Volunteer Fire Department at 7:53 p.m. to investigate a possible death at 7629 East Holder Road. The location is just northeast of East Washington School Corporation and south of South Boston and just a few miles from three local churches — Blue River Baptist, Olive Branch Church, and Mt. Zion Church.

The fire department was asked to call the sheriff’s department for further information. 

A second tone was issued at 7:54 p.m. and Washington County EMS was also called to the scene. However, EMS was told to disregard at about 8:11 p.m. 

A toll-free tip line was established on Monday, and Investigators have received approximately 200 calls from the public.

Unfortunately, none of those calls have led to the identification of the deceased child. Many of those calls are related to information about children already documented as missing. Investigators are thankful for all the tips that are coming in but ask that the public does not send information on children already documented as missing at this time. Investigators say those cases are already being looked into.  

Anyone with information is asked to call the toll-free number established for this case at 1-888-437-6432.