The San Jose Police Department is investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl whose body was found at a recycling center one day after her mother reported her missing and two days after her father’s body was found in another city.
The tragic series of events began Thursday night when Chrystal Obi learned her daughter Ellie’s father was found dead of a suicide in San Francisco, according to the Fremont Police Department. Daughter Ellie is missing. As of Monday evening, authorities had not released the father’s name.
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.
The next day, the San Jose Police Department reported that an employee at a recycling center in the 600 block of Charles Street discovered 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 devastated that Ellie did not survive,” Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to 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 smart girl who loved dancing and meeting new people.
“We are heartbroken over 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 in ways no words can express.”
A GoFundMe account has been created to help pay for Ellie’s family’s funeral expenses.
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 offers its most sincere condolences to Allie’s family,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably tragic time. Allie deserved better. May she rest in peace.” “
