Missing 3-year-old girl found dead at recycling center, California police say

A day after her father’s body was found in another city, officers discovered a missing 3-year-old girl dead at a recycling center, California police reported.

Ellie Lorenzo was due to be returned to her mother’s home on the night of Friday, July 12, the Fremont Police Department said in a news release.

But her mother called police at 12:25 p.m. that day to report the girl’s father had been found dead in San Francisco, KTVU reported.

Ellie’s whereabouts were unknown, police said.

On Saturday, July 13, San Jose police contacted Fremont officers to report Ellie had been found dead, police said.

The girl’s body was found at a recycling center, KRON reported.

“Our hearts are heavy for Ellie’s family, and we will continue to support them during this difficult time,” Police Chief Sean Washington said in the release.

San Jose police will continue the investigation into Ellie’s death, police said.

Fremont is about a 40-mile drive southeast from San Francisco.

This story was originally published July 14, 2024 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Missing 3-year-old girl found dead at recycling center, California police say."