Girl Found Dead In Riverdale Identified As Missing Toddler
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago police were conducting a death investigation after a toddler's body was found in south suburban Riverdale this weekend, a day after she was reported missing from the Bronzeville neighborhood.
Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Riverdale police were called about a child's body found in a wooded area near 140th and Normal. Ameriah Roberson was pronounced dead at the scene.
A police source tells CBS 2 surveillance video shows a suspect carrying a bag at the site where the girl's body was dumped.
The baby's family says the toddler's mom had left her Sunday with her current boyfriend where he lives near 35th and Rhodes. The mother went to work and got off at 5 p.m., returning to the building to find no Ameriah.
Police said Ameriah had been reported missing from the 3500 block of South Rhodes Avenue. Preliminary information indicated she had been with an adult who walked away for a brief moment, then returned to find the child missing.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office says an autopsy rules the death a homicide, saying it was a result of a subdural hematoma.
The girl's parents were being interviewed by Area South police Monday afternoon.
In Calumet City, family gathered to grieve where the toddler lived with her mom and grandmother.
"She will be truly missed and loved," said Bernadette Madison, Ameriah's grandmother.
The Cook County State's Attorney's office is reviewing the case.