The San José Police Department is investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl whose body was found at a recycling center a day after she was reported missing by her mother — and two days after her father’s lifeless body was found in another city.
The tragic series of events began Thursday night, when Chrystal Obi reported daughter Ellie missing after learning that the child’s father had been found dead from an apparent suicide in San Francisco, according to the Fremont Police Department. Authorities had not released the father’s name as of Monday evening.
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 following day, the San José Police Department reported that an employee at a recycling center in the 600 block of Charles Street had found the dead body of a girl.
The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office later identified the girl as Ellie Lorenzo. Authorities have not released information about the cause of death for Ellie.
“Our department is saddened to learn Ellie has not survived,” 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 smart girl who liked to dance and meet new people.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our dear sweet Ellie,” the statement read in part. “Ellie’s life was full of so many people who loved her so much and will miss her beyond words can explain.”
A GoFundMe account has been created to cover funeral expenses for Ellie’s family.
San José police said in a statement that the motive and circumstances that led to Ellie’s death remained under investigation and that homicide detectives were working around the clock to find answers for the girl’s family.
“The San José Police Department would like to express their sincerest 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. “
