CLEVELAND, Ohio — Investigators confirmed two girls found dead in suitcases buried at a Cleveland park were half-sisters, according to information released by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office on March 4, 2026. The bodies of the two girls, described as Black and between the ages of 8 and 14, were found after a man walking his dog noticed something unusual near the park's playground on the evening of March 3.

Dog discovers buried suitcases

The person who discovered them, Phillip Donaldson, said his dog suddenly pulled him toward a mound of earth and began repeatedly scratching at the ground. Upon digging up the first suitcase, he discovered the head of a victim inside and immediately called 911. Police then found two suitcases, each containing the body of a girl. Both were buried in shallow graves and were believed to have been there for some time.

Police continue identification efforts

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the incident has shocked the local community. She said: “This is a major shock. Residents in the area are heartbroken to know this happened so close to where they live.” Investigators are currently cross-referencing missing persons data statewide, with assistance from federal and local agencies, to identify the two victims.

Investigation continues

The cause of death has not been released, and the case is currently being investigated as a suspected homicide. The two suitcases were found near Ginn Academy, the only all-boys public high school in the state of Ohio. Cleveland Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.

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