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 lifeless body was found in another city.
The tragic series of events began Thursday night, when Chrystal Obi reported her daughter Ellie Lorenzo missing after learning that Ellie's father had been found dead in San Francisco, according to the Fremont Police Department. Authorities had not 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 searched the apartment but did not find the girl there.
The next day, the San Jose Police Department reported that it had discovered Ellie's body at a San Jose recycling center. Authorities have not released any information about the cause of Ellie's death or that of her father.
“Our department is saddened to learn that Ellie did not survive,” Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington said in the statement. “We are deeply saddened for Ellie’s family and will continue to support them during this difficult time.”
According to ABC7, Ellie's mother released a statement describing her daughter as a lovely, funny and intelligent girl who enjoyed dancing and meeting new people.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Ellie,” the statement read in part. “Ellie’s life was filled with so many people who loved her so much and she will be missed beyond words.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover funeral expenses for Ellie's family.
Fremont police said the homicide investigation is being handled by the San Jose Police Department.
