NEW PEKIN, Indiana — An autopsy for a young boy found stuffed into a suitcase in the woods of Indiana revealed that the child’s death was likely due to a virus that caused vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration, authorities said.
According to a news release from the Indiana State Police, an autopsy showed that the unidentified Black boy, believed to be about 5 years old, died from an electrolyte imbalance. The imbalance occurs when a person’s body loses a significant amount of fluids, WLWT-TV reported.
A mushroom hunter called 911 around 7:30 p.m. on April 16 to report finding a suitcase in a heavily wooded area in New Pekin, located in eastern Washington County. The boy’s body was inside the suitcase, according to state police.
State police spokesperson Sgt. Carey Huls said in a statement that toxicology results were negative and that the boy did not suffer any severe injuries, adding that there was “no anatomical cause of death.”
Investigators receive Autopsy and Toxicology Report in Unknown Child Death Investigation https://t.co/N09dtafyWD
— Indiana State Police (@IndStatePolice) May 27, 2022
“After the autopsy results were released, detectives also stated they have no evidence which leads them to believe the child was alive when placed into the suitcase,” Huls said in a statement. “The child was clothed and clean.”
>> Police seek help identifying young boy found stuffed into suitcase in Indiana woods
The boy is described as having a slim build and standing about 4 feet tall. His hair was cropped short.
“This is a very odd, tragic case,” police said Friday, according to WLWT.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is assisting the investigation.
“This little boy needs his name returned to him,” Carol Schweitzer, the center’s supervisor of forensic services, told WAVE-TV earlier this month. “Someone out there has that answer.”
The hardshell suitcase that held the boy’s body has a distinctive Las Vegas design on the front and back. “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada,” the front of the case reads.
“Investigators hope this image will lead to more specific tips and the identification of the child,” troopers said last month.
A memorial service for the boy has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to WLWT.
Anyone with information on the child’s identity can call the Indiana State Police tip line at 888-437-6432.
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