Cause of death revealed for boy found in Las Vegas-themed suitcase in Indiana woods

SELLERSBURG, Ind. (TCD) -- Investigators have released the autopsy and toxicology results for the unknown boy who was found inside a suitcase in the woods.

In a Friday, May 27, statement, Indiana State Police said the autopsy determined the little boy died from "electrolyte imbalance," which was likely caused by "a viral gastroenteritis." His blood toxicology came back negative.

The autopsy also determined the boy’s body had an "absence of significant traumatic injuries," so the medical examiner said there was "no anatomical cause of death."

According to the statement, detectives have concluded they do not believe the boy was alive when he was placed in the suitcase even though he was dressed and clean.

The child is Black and approximately 5 years old, Indiana State Police said. He is approximately 4 feet tall and has a short haircut.

On April 17 at 7:30 p.m., someone was mushroom hunting when they "found the body of a Black male child near a roadway in a heavily wooded area of eastern Washington County." The body was found inside a hard-shell suitcase with a Las Vegas design on the front and back.

At the time of the discovery, Indiana State Police St. Carey Huls said in a press conference, "The child was in good condition, as far as the circumstances go. Based on the dental condition, the teeth were clean, in good shape."

Huls and the rest of the Indiana State Police investigators are asking anyone with information to step forward. Though State Police have received numerous tips, the boy remains unidentified.

Huls said, "The child was found inside a suitcase that was sealed. He did not put himself there and wind up approximately 80 feet off the road in a wooded area by himself."

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