Boy’s body reportedly found inside suitcase with Las Vegas design in rural Indiana woods
04/20/2022 3:39 pm PDT
SELLERSBURG, Ind. (TCD) -- State Police are looking for answers and tips after a young boy’s body was found inside a suitcase in a wooded area of Washington County.
According to Indiana State Police, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, a resident was reportedly mushroom hunting in Sellersburg when they "found the body of a black male child near a roadway in a heavily wooded area." Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded and then called Indiana State Police to investigate.
The boy was described as being 5 to 8 years old, "approximately four feet tall and has a slim build and a short haircut." Investigators believe the boy died last week.
In a follow-up statement, Indiana State Police said an autopsy was conducted, but "no information as to the cause of death was determined." They also determined he was approximately 5 years old.
The little boy was reportedly found on the 7000 block of East Holder Road in Washington County inside a "closed hard case suitcase." State Police described it as having "a distinctive Las Vegas design on its front and back."
State Police have reportedly received about 200 calls from the public, but they are urging anyone to come forward who knows anything about the identity of the child.
According to WXIN-TV, Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls said in the press conference the boy "was in good condition, as far as the circumstances go" and he "appeared well cared for."
Huls also said at the press conference, "The child was found inside a suitcase that was sealed. He did not put himself there and wind up approximately 80 feet off the road in a wooded area by himself."
WRTV-TV reports Huls added, "Somebody was taking care of him. He was in somebody’s custody and care for his daily needs and for support. Somebody out there either knows and isn’t saying something or just hasn’t had the opportunity to see this in the media yet and they don’t know that they need to call somebody."
MORE:
- ISP Requests Public’s Assistance in Death Investigation of Child - Indiana State Police
- ISP Continues to ask for Public’s Help in Identification of Deceased Child - Indiana State Police
- What we know about the boy whose body was found in a suitcase in southern Indiana - WXIN
- Body of young boy found in wooded area of southern Indiana, ISP seeks help identifying him - WRTV