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(Trends Wide) — An unidentified boy, who was found dead in a suitcase last month in southern Indiana, died of an electrolyte imbalance, authorities said Friday.
The autopsy of the boy, believed to be about 5 years old, shows the electrolyte imbalance was likely caused by viral gastroenteritis, the Indiana State Police said in a news release. This condition is known as vomiting and diarrhea, and it can lead to dehydration, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The boy’s blood toxicology was negative, according to the news release. The autopsy report also indicated no significant traumatic injuries, meaning there was no anatomical cause of death, police said.
“Detectives also stated that they have no evidence to lead them to believe the child was alive when placed in the suitcase, and that the child was dressed and clean,” police said in the news release.
The boy’s body was found in rural Washington County inside a hard-shell suitcase with a “distinctive Las Vegas design on its front and back,” police said at the time. State police were called to investigate after a resident searching for mushrooms discovered the suitcase on April 16 and immediately called 911, the agency said.
Police ask for help
Since then, police have been seeking people’s help to identify the boy, who was described as black, between 5 and 8 years old, approximately 1.5 meters tall, with a slim build and a bob cut. short hair. Police said the boy died sometime in the week before his body was discovered.
Police said they have received hundreds of calls so far, but to no avail in identifying the boy.
“Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that the child could be from out of state or even the country,” police said.
Police are looking for people who may have first-hand knowledge that could lead to identifying the boy and clarifying the circumstances of his death, Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls told Trends Wide earlier this month.
Investigators hope that the photo of the suitcase will provide clues. Those with information can call the toll-free information line at 1-888-437-643.
Trends Wide’s Amanda Watts, Raja Razek and Emma Tucker contributed to this report.
