The San Jose Police Department is investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl whose body was found at a recycling center a day after her mother reported her missing — and two days after her father’s body was found in another city.
The tragic chain of events began Thursday night, when Chrystal Obi reported her daughter Ellie missing after learning the child’s father had been found dead in San Francisco, apparently by suicide, according to the Fremont Police Department. Authorities had not yet released the father’s name as of Monday night.
The department said in a written statement that the mother, who lives in Mountain View, did not know the whereabouts of Ellie, who was last seen at her father’s apartment in Fremont. Police checked the apartment but did not find the girl there.
The next day, the San Jose Police Department reported that an employee at a recycling center in the 600 block of Charles Street found the body of a girl.
The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office later identified the girl as Ellie Lorenzo. Authorities have not released information about Ellie’s cause of death.
“Our department is saddened to learn that Ellie did not survive,” Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington said in the statement. “Our hearts are heavy for Ellie’s family and we will continue to support them during this difficult time.”
According to ABC7, Ellie’s mother released a statement describing her daughter as a charming, funny and intelligent girl who loved to dance and meet new people.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear, sweet Ellie,” the statement read. “Ellie’s life was filled with so many people who loved her so much and will miss her beyond words.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover funeral expenses for Ellie’s family.
San Jose police said in a statement that the motive and circumstances leading to Ellie’s death remain under investigation and homicide detectives are working around the clock to find answers for the girl’s family.
“The San Jose Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to Ellie’s family,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unthinkable and tragic time. Ellie deserved better. May she rest in peace.”
