WASHINGTON COUNTY— An autopsy for a young boy found dead in a suitcase in rural southern Indiana back in April shows that he died from an electrolyte imbalance and gastroenteritis.
Indiana State Police say the child was clean, clothed and appeared to be well-cared for.
No significant injuries were found on the child during the autopsy, according to state police.
"Someone knows who this child is," ISP Sgt. Carey Huls said. "He didn't show up in Washington County in a suitcase by himself."
A memorial service for the boy is being held on Wednesday, June 1 at Weather's Funeral Home at 106 S. Shelby St. Salem, IN 47167. It will also be live streamed, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Department.
Indiana State Police say the boy was found in a suitcase in a wooded area of New Pekin around the 7000 block of East Holder Rd. on April 16.
The autopsy lists the child's age as unknown, but investigators believe the child is about 5 years old, based on the report. He's described as Black, about 4 feet tall, with a slender build and short hair.
"They are not ruling out that he's from out of the country," Huls said.
A photo of the suitcase provided by Indiana State Police shows it had a distinctive Las Vegas design on its front and back.
Police continue to ask for the public's assistance, hoping someone who recognizes the suitcase or knows of a missing child matching the description will come forward.
Police believe the child died sometime within the week before he was found.
A resident was mushroom hunting around 7:30 p.m. Saturday when they found the body near a roadway, police have said.
Troopers described the area as a very rural, heavily wooded area with not a lot of houses nearby.
A national tip line has been established. Police say they have received nearly hundreds of calls from the public, but none have led to the identification of the boy.
"Investigators are thankful for all the tips that are coming in but ask that the public does not send information on children already documented as missing at this time. Investigators say those cases are already being looked into," ISP said.
Investigators say the suitcase was sealed and was about 80 feet from the roadway when it was found.
ISP says it has contacted schools and other local agencies to inquire about a child who didn't show up, but there haven't been any matches.
Tips can be submitted to 1-888-437-6432. The post's 800 number only works within the State of Indiana.
You can also contact Detective Matt Busick with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg at 1-812-248-4374 or 1-800-872-6743.
WRTV Real Time Editor Michelle Kaufman contributed to this report.
-
Cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down but the need in the community is up
Experts say the cost of this year's Thanksgiving dinner is slightly cheaper than previous years. Local organizations say that slight relief isn't enough to reduce the need at this time of the year.
Experts: Car, home lockouts and plumbing calls increase during Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Local experts shared tips to keep your house running smoothly during the holiday.
Outreach efforts aim to reduce overdose deaths in the 46201 zip code
Officials say there were 383 overdose deaths in Marion County from January to September 2024. Of those overdose deaths, 44 of them, or 11%, were in the 46201 zip code.
Peony plantings happening across Noblesville despite the snow and cold
Peony roots are being planted across Noblesville this week ahead of the 2025 Indiana Peony Festival.
