Autopsy, toxicology report in unknown child death investigation released

Detectives and investigators with the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post today received the official autopsy and toxicology report regarding the unidentified child found in a suitcase in rural Washington County on April 16.

The official autopsy report attributes the child’s death to electrolyte imbalance, according to a news release from Sgt. Carey Huls, public information officer for the Sellersburg Post. The report also states the imbalance was likely from a viral gastroenteritis and says the blood toxicology was negative.

The report further states there was an absence of significant traumatic injuries, advising there was no anatomical cause of death.

After the autopsy results were released, detectives also said they have no evidence that leads them to believe the child was alive when placed into the suitcase and that the child was clothed and clean. Although the autopsy report states the child is of unknown age, investigators still believe the boy was approximately 5 years old at the time of his death.

Investigators continue to utilize a variety of investigative techniques and have worked with several outside agencies during this investigation. Although numerous tips have been called into the nationwide tip line, detectives have not been able to identify the boy. Investigators are not ruling out the possibility the child could be from out of state or even out of the country.

The unidentified child is described as a young Black male approximately 5 years old. The child is approximately 4 feet tall and has a slim build and a short haircut.

The child’s body was found inside a closed hard case suitcase with a distinctive Las Vegas design on its front and back. The suitcase was located approximately 80 feet off of Holder Road in a heavily wooded area of eastern Washington County. It was found by an area resident who was mushroom hunting, and they immediately called 911, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded. Detectives with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg were then called to investigate.

If anyone has information regarding this case, they are encouraged to call the nationwide toll-free tip line at 888-437-6432.